HC Deb 09 July 2002 vol 388 cc831-2W
10. Mr. Joyce

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will estimate the number of potential defence related jobs in Scotland in connection with the two planned UK aircraft carrier contracts. [65307]

Mrs. Liddell

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence expects to announce decisions around the end of the year on the selection of the prime contractor for the new aircraft carriers. The carrier programme will provide work for thousands of employees in defence industries across the UK. Scottish shipyards have been involved in supplying support to both of the competing prime contractors and clearly have good opportunities to secure a share of the work.

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