Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 23 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 November 2005. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Friday, 2 December 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Aircraft Carriers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria the Prime Minister used in making the statement to the press that Swan Hunters should be permitted to bid for inclusion in the CVF programme.

Answer: The Government have always said that the development of an optimum shipbuild strategy for the CVF programme will be made by all alliance participants based on cost effectiveness and best long-term value for money while taking into account the capability, capacity and resources of the United Kingdom industry. No company is ruled out, but we are not prepared to give guarantees of work that could be placed with particular shipyards, as each will need to demonstrate the capability and competitiveness required to meet our needs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 440 c818W;440 c818W; 32881
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Contracts Procurement Shipbuilding Aircraft carriers Swan Hunter Shipbuilders
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk