HMS “Queen Elizabeth” Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Baroness Smith of Newnham

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Short-Term Letting for Holiday Purposes

HMS “Queen Elizabeth”

Baroness Smith of Newnham Excerpts

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Thursday 2nd March 2017

(7 years, 9 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
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I am sure that the First Sea Lord will be very interested in that suggestion.

Baroness Smith of Newnham Portrait Baroness Smith of Newnham (LD)
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I had the privilege of seeing the Queen Elizabeth class carriers at Rosyth last week, and the “Queen Elizabeth” was doing her harbour trials. My question relates to the aircraft that are meant to go on the carrier. Will the F-35s be available when the “Queen Elizabeth” is set to sail, or are the delays to the carrier simply to enable the F-35s to be delayed as well?

Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
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My Lords, the 2015 strategic defence and security review set out our intent to have two front-line operational F-35B squadrons by the end of 2023, and we plan to buy 138 Lightning aircraft over the life of the programme. To date we have taken delivery of eight F-35B aircraft, with a further six, currently in production, to follow very shortly. The next annual production contract is scheduled to be let next month, and we intend to order a further three under that part of the contract.

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