§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will agree the(a) final projected costs and (b) demonstration and manufacturer contracting arrangements for the aircraft carrier programme. [154629]
§ Mr. IngramThe Future Carrier (CVF) programme is currently in Stage 3 of the Assessment Phase. It is expected that a decision on the CVF programme will be made in Spring this year at the conclusion of the Assessment Phase.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the expected(a) cost and (b) commissioning date is of the two new aircraft carriers; what estimates were made when the contract was let; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for the difference. [154630]
§ Mr. IngramThe CVF programme is still in the Assessment Phase, which is intended to reduce risk in emerging design solutions, and balance the key parameters of performance, time and cost. The current target acquisition cost for the two carriers is around £3 billion with target in-service dates of 2012 and 2015. Estimates are being refined during the Assessment Phase, taking into account the maturing design and cost information. Agreed targets will be included in the demonstration and manufacturing contract arrangements.
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his latest estimate is of(a) the cost and (b) the in-service dates of each of the two future aircraft carriers. [154660]
§ Mr. IngramThe CVF programme is still in the Assessment Phase, which is intended to reduce risk in emerging design solutions and balance the key parameters of performance time and cost. The current target acquisition cost for the two carriers is around £3 billion with target in-service dates of 2012 and 2015 respectively.