Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Thursday, 6 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 February 2003. It was answered by Tony Blair (Labour) on Thursday, 13 February 2003 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his announcement in Le Touquet, how his plan for France and the United Kingdom to have one aircraft carrier permanently available will work in practice.

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his announcement in Le Touquet, how his plan for France and the United Kingdom to have one aircraft carrier permanently available will work in practice. [97177] The Prime Minister: The United Kingdom already maintains at least one of its three aircraft carriers (CVS) available for operations at any time. One of the aims of closer UK-French carrier co- operation is to maximise the availability of aircraft carriers from European nations. The two countries intend to achieve this by exploring mechanisms for harmonising activity cycles. For example, it would be sensible to ensure that major maintenance periods were planned, where possible, so that the maximum number of assets (both hulls and air groups) could be available at any one time. A series of joint working groups will explore how best to achieve this aim. These discussions, which have already begun, are expected to continue as the new UK and French carriers are brought in to service.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 97177; 399 c951W;399 c947W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Defence International cooperation France Procurement Aircraft carriers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk