Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Jim Cunningham (Labour). It was answered by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Monday, 19 December 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Aircraft Carriers

Question: What assessment he has made of the likely effects on the defence sector of the aircraft carrier programme.

Answer: Having visited Govan and Rosyth to see the Queen Elizabeth class carriers under construction, I know that the project is good news for the UK defence industry. It is anticipated that 7,000 to 8,000 jobs will be created or sustained at the tier 1 shipyards, with a further 2,000 to 3,000 jobs in the wider supply chain. Apprenticeship schemes have also been reinvigorated, with nearly 800 apprentices now involved in the project. Some £1.35 billion-worth of equipment subcontracts have been placed, the majority of which have been awarded to more than 75 different UK companies spanning the length and breadth of the UK. With an expected 50-year service life, there will be continued opportunities for UK companies to benefit from this project.

Secondary information