§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the cost of the future refit of HMS Ark Royal; and when he expects the refit to commence. [66700]
§ Mr. SpellarThe estimate of the cost of the future refit of HMS Ark Royal is commercially sensitive as we are still engaged in contract negotiations. I am, therefore, withholding the information under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. On current plans the refit is due to commence in May 1999.