HC Deb 25 May 1999 vol 332 cc105-6W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies he has carried out into the use of nuclear steam-generating plant on future aircraft carriers; which organisations were consulted; and what conclusions were reached. [78778]

Mr. Spellar

Concept studies involving the MOD and UK industry have investigated a number of propulsion options for the future aircraft carriers, including nuclear power. Nuclear propulsion for the two ships has been discounted on cost-effectiveness grounds.