§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what recent discussions ministers and officials have had with the French Government about French participation in the United Kingdom aircraft carrier programme; [76568]
(2) whether the possibility of France joining in the United Kingdom aircraft carrier programme will be a factor to be taken into account in the decision to award the contract to Thales or BAe Systems. [76567]
§ Dr. MoonieI will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.