Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Peter Luff and Esther McVey

Monday 8th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Esther McVey (Wirral West) (Con)]

14. What timetable has been agreed for the building of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Peter Luff)]

The strategic defence and security review was clear that we plan to deliver the carrier strike capability from around 2020. We are now working to provide the level of detail needed to decide exactly how that intention should be turned into reality. As the planning work is expected to take some months, we are not yet in a position to provide further details.

[Esther McVey]

On behalf of my constituents and the greater Merseyside area, I congratulate the Minister and his Department on the decision to continue the building of two Queen Elizabeth class carriers. Will he acknowledge with me the benefits for Wirral of the manufacturing continuing at Cammell Laird?

[Peter Luff]

The decision has not been without its controversy, but I am delighted to pay tribute to the work force at all the yards conducting the work on the carriers, including in my hon. Friend’s constituency. I have seen that work at first hand in government, and it is a remarkable tribute to them. Whatever the controversy of the past, I am sure the work force will continue to give the project their very best, as they have up to now.