Hms Illustrious

Mr. O'Neill
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS Illustrious will start its refitting programme; and where it will be refitted.

Mr. Neubert
HMS Illustrious's next refit is scheduled to start as part of the core programme at Devonport dockyard in 1991 and to finish in 1993. The plans for refitting Royal Naval vessels are, however, subject to continuous review.