HC Deb 17 April 2000 vol 348 cc690-1
17. Ms Dari Taylor. (Stockton, South)

What progress has been made in plans to procure replacements for the current Invincible class of aircraft carriers. [117896]

The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Geoffrey Hoon)

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave to my hon. Friends the Members for Ilford, North (Ms Perham) and for Plymouth, Sutton (Mrs. Gilroy) earlier today.

Ms Taylor

May I thank my right hon. Friend for the announcement that he has given the House today, because it is excellent news for British shipbuilders? Given the time delay before construction, is there any chance that he might indicate which shipyards will be considered? As I represent Stockton, South, may I persuade him to consider giving work to the excellent shipbuilders on the Tees? We believe that 30 or more warships will be built; will he give us some idea when and how they will be built so that our shipbuilders and workers are again given hope?

Mr. Hoon

I have certainly made it clear that an extensive programme of shipbuilding is under way. It could amount to 30 large ships and, certainly, they will all be built in the United Kingdom. As there are yards around the country, I would risk creating difficulties if I picked out some and not others. However, I assure my hon. Friend that full consideration will be given to all British shipyards and all will be given the opportunity to tender. I look forward to that work providing for a revitalised British shipbuilding industry.

Miss Anne McIntosh. (Vale of York)

I apologise, Madam Speaker, for confusing you earlier.

I am most grateful to the Secretary of State for his earlier reply suggesting that BAE Systems will contribute to the replacement for Invincible and I am delighted that it has a base in Sutton-on-the-Forest in the Vale of York. Will he put the minds of those who work there at rest by assuring them that a merger with Boeing will not compromise the contract that he has in mind?

Mr. Hoon

I have seen press speculation about the prospects of a merger between BAE Systems and Boeing but, as far as I am aware, it is no more than press speculation.

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