Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Garden (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 30 April 2007.

Royal Navy: Aircraft Carriers

Question: My Lords, from these Benches we add our condolences to the family of the rifleman who was so sadly killed yesterday. The Joint Strike Fighter aircraft is an essential component of our carrier capability. In March 2007, the United States Government Accounting Office reported on it again and showed further cost growth. The GAO said: "““Accurately predicting JSF costs and schedule and ensuring sufficient funding will likely be key challenges facing the program in the future””." Does the Minister believe that, in the United Kingdom, the current JSF acquisition strategy manages those risks adequately? Can he assure us that the UK will not replicate the much criticised Ministry of Defense cost-reimbursement contracts which it is issuing for the initial production models?

Answer: My Lords, I recognise the concerns that the noble Lord has raised about the cost of the Joint Strike Fighter; it is something that we are looking at very closely. I am satisfied that our acquisition process is appropriate to the task, and I concentrate on it as a high priority. Indeed, towards the end of this year I expect to get a clearer view of the aircraft’s overall acquisition costs and, as important, of the sustainment strategy. We have not yet committed to purchasing these aircraft and will closely scrutinise the progress of the project.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 691 c864
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Certification Procurement Standards Shipbuilding Aircraft carriers
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk