To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect on the (a) design-phase and (b) subsequent phases of the aircraft carrier construction project of the decision of the French government not to order a second aircraft carrier. (211589)

The French Government has yet to announce a decision on the future of a second aircraft carrier. In the event of France deciding not to proceed with construction of a second aircraft carrier, the design phase, subsequent phases of construction and the in-service dates of the UK's aircraft carriers remain unaffected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what co-operation exists between the Government and the government of France on the Super Carrier project. (211455)

[holding answer 16 June 2008]: Our co-operation with France on the future aircraft carrier project is governed by the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2006. This provides for sharing of a common baseline design with the French PA2 carrier project and allows us to explore potential savings, to both countries, through shared procurement and support of equipment.