§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress being made with the construction of the new aircraft carriers. [134436]
§ Mr. IngramThe Future Carrier project is currently in the Assessment Phase and I refer my hon. Friend to my Written Ministerial Statement made on 16 September 2003,Official Report, columns 44-45WS.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what impact the reduction in size of the two new aircraft carriers will have on operational plans for(a) the capability and use of the carriers and (b) the size of the crews. [134437]
§ Mr. IngramFinal decisions have yet to be taken on the main specifications for CVF. The programme is currently in its Assessment Phase which is aimed at increasing the maturity of the design as well as optimising capability and value for money. The size of the vessels will continue to evolve as the design matures to meet the required capability. Crew size will similarly not be fixed until the design is sufficiently mature.