§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what delays have occurred so far in the aircraft carrier programme: what recent discussions his Department has held with BAE and Thales; and whether he expects the in-service date to be met. [118272]
§ Mr. IngramWork is progressing on the future aircraft carrier project consistent with our plan at the commencement of the CVF Assessment Phase, under which we expect to award the Demonstration and Manufacture (D and M) contract in spring 2004. MOD officials meet regularly with BAE Systems and Thales UK as part of the routine business of the Assessment Phase.
Our target in-service dates for the two new carriers remain 2012 and 2015. Estimates for their delivery will be developed progressively during the remainder of the 52W Assessment Phase, taking account of the maturing carrier design. Expected in-service dates will be confirmed when we place the D and M contract.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which parts of the aircraft carriers being built under the future aircraft carrier project will be built in foreign shipyards; and if he will make a statement. [118273]
§ Mr. IngramIn line with Government policy on building warships for the Royal Navy, the future aircraft carriers will be built in the United Kingdom. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced on 30 January 2003, our planning is proceeding under the assumption that the carriers will be built by a combination of four yards: BAE Systems Marine at Govan, Vosper Thornycroft at Portsmouth, Swan Hunter on Tyneside, and Babcock BES at Rosyth. However, the involvement of other UK yards has not been ruled out.