HC Deb 24 July 1987 vol 120 cc601-2W
Mr. Bellingham

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions his Department has had with Swan Hunter, following the hull plate damage HMS Ark Royal suffered on 27 January allegedly the result of faulty workmanship.

Mr. Sainsbury

The Ministry of Defence will be discussing the position with Swan Hunter now that survey work has given an indication of the cause of the damage.

Mr. Bellingham

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether full and comprehensive repairs are being carried out to HMS Ark Royal following hull plate damage suffered on 27 January; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sainsbury

Minor damage was suffered to a small area of hull plating in HMS Ark Royal on 27 January but, following temporary repairs she returned to normal duties. The damage has recently been fully surveyed and final repairs are now in hand, during the routine docking period at Portsmouth which began on 13 July.