HC Deb 14 February 2002 vol 380 cc570-1W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the latest projection is of the in-service dates for the naval version of the Joint Strike Fighter and the new aircraft carrier; and if he will make a statement. [36306]

Dr. Moonie

On current plans the in service date for the first of the two new aircraft carriers and the Joint Strike Fighters which will operate from it is 2012.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the decision on which version of the air strike fighter for the new aircraft carrier to be commissioned by the Royal Navy will be used; and if he will make a statement. [36308]

Dr. Moonie

We expect a decision on which variant of the Joint Strike Fighter best meets our future Joint Combat Aircraft requirement to be taken by autumn this year.