§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the proportion of time each remaining ASW carrier will be operational if the sale of HMS "Invincible" is completed.
§ Mr. BlakerWe would expect HM Ships "Illustrious" and "Ark Royal" normally to spend less than 20 per cent, of their lives in refit. On current expectations two carriers would be available together for about 65 per cent, of the time.