§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence, in taking his decision to withdraw HMS "Ark Royal" from service after 23 years, what study he had made of the proposed length of the life in service of aircraft carriers in the United States Navy which is intended to be more than 40 years.
§ Dr. GilbertIt would not be cost-effective, taking into account the need to maintain a balanced range of capabilities in the Fleet, to run on HMS "Ark Royal" beyond the end of this year. Her various roles will be assumed by other ships of the Fleet and by land-based aircraft. In formulating these plans we have taken into account those of our allies.