§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress with the CVF (aircraft carrier) assessment phase contracts; and if he will make a statement. [5134]
§ Mr. HoonNegotiations continue with both candidate prime contractors on the basis of the work they have done so far and the proposals they have submitted for the next stage of CVF Assessment. It remains our intention to contract for the next stage of Assessment as soon as agreement can be reached with the prime contractors.