HC Deb 22 November 1994 vol 250 c131W
Mr. Eric Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers.

Mr. Freeman

As we have previously made clear, the Royal Navy will maintain three Invincible class aircraft carriers, with two operational at any one time. In accordance with this long standing practice, HMS Ark Royal entered a state of extended readiness in September at Portsmouth.