§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they are likely to reach a defined and agreed working project plan on the design of the future carrier (CVF) project to allow a firm tender to be received. [HL178]
§ Lord BachAs my right honourable friend the Secretary of State announced in another place on 30 January 2003, (Official Report col. 1026–1038) the best means of delivering the carrier programme is via an alliance approach involving BAE Systems, Thales UK and the Ministry of Defence. As part of the project's ongoing assessment phase, work is being undertaken to develop the comprehensive plan for the CVF programme. This will be confirmed when we take the main investment decision for demonstration and manufacture, planned for 2005.