§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if there have been any problems experienced with the existing aircraft lifts on the Royal Navy's Invincible class aircraft carriers;
(2) if he will make a statement regarding replacement aircraft lifts for the Royal Navy's Invincible class aircraft carriers.
§ Mr. NeubertThe aircraft lifts in the Royal Navy's Invincible class aircraft carriers have successfully supported the operations of these ships over the past 10 years. However, they have experienced a higher than anticipated incidence of defects and failures, and an associated high maintenance and repair burden. Modifications and improvements carried out to date have increased their reliability, but not to the extent considered adequate to enable them to support the ships' role over the remainder of their projected lives. In consequence, a programme to develop a replacement lift has been initiated, and an invitation to tender for proposals is soon to be issued to industry.