Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Walney Excerpts
Monday 16th July 2012

(12 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait Mr Hammond
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I am not aware of any such cases, but I am happy to talk to my hon. Friend outside the Chamber and to write to him.

Lord Walney Portrait John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op)
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Further to the previous unclear answer, is the Secretary of State categorically ruling out revisiting the “cat and trap” system for the aircraft carriers?

Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait Mr Hammond
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I do not think that there was a previous unclear answer. We have made a decision to revert to the STOVL––short take-off and vertical landing—solution. We are highly confident of the delivery of the F-35B STOVL variant, which the US Marine Corps depends on. We have had the highest level discussions with the US Administration, who strongly support the programme. I am looking forward to seeing US Marine Corps aircraft flying at Pax River on Wednesday.