Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to publish the results of his feasibility studies on amphibious vessels.
§ Mr. SainsburyI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 November to the hon. Member for Knowsley, North (Mr. Howarth).
Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Navy officers are trained to repair the computer-assisted communications system for amphibious transport docks and aircraft carriers.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThere are several different types of equipment in our amphibious ships and aircraft carriers which could be said to fall within the terms of the hon. Gentleman's question, and the training requirements to ensure their maintenance support therefore vary. The hon. Gentleman may, however, have in mind a particular United States computer system installed in HMS Ark Royal and HMS Intrepid for trials and for which, therefore, normal maintenance support arrangements are not appropriate.