To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to be able to make an announcement on the order for the Future Aircraft Carriers; and what the reason is for the time taken to do so. (149880)

[holding answer 18 July 2007]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 22 May 2007, Official Report, column 1181W, to the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Mr. Williams).