§ Mr. Quentin DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what date he will take a decision on whether the Royal Navy's two new carriers will be built to carry(a) short take-off and vertical landing or (b) catapult take off and assisted landing aircraft. [143353]
§ Dr. MoonieAssessment work to investigate design options for the Royal Navy's future aircraft carriers is on-going. A decision on whether the vessels will be built to carry short take-off and vertical landing or catapult take-off and landing aircraft will depend largely on the selection of the future carrier-borne aircraft. A decision on the demonstration and manufacture of the carriers is expected in December 2003.