Future Aircraft Carrier Project

HL Deb 11 October 2004 vol 665 cc12-3WA

Lord Astor of Hever

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to announce the identity of the organisation to lead the integration of participants in the future aircraft carrier project and the terms of that appointment. [HL4176]

Lord Bach

"Integration" on the future carrier project involves many aspects and at the highest level these include integration of mission systems, platform, combat aircraft and physically integrating the vessels. The identity of which companies will lead on each of these functions within the alliance remains the subject of discussion. We are currently running a competition to select the company best placed to fulfil the role of physical integrator, which will manage the ship building aspects of the carriers. We expect to announce the results of this competition by the end of the year, including the terms of the appointment.