DE 07

 

 

Letter from Quentin Davies MP, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, to the Defence Select Committee regarding Carrier Strike capability

 

 

At the end of this morning's session of the Committee, Admiral Lambert surprised the Committee - and indeed myself - by suggesting that there might be a gap in our Carrier Strike capability before the entry into service of HMS Queen Elizabeth.

 

I am now formally writing to you to let you know that Admiral Lambert has discovered that there was an error in the paper that he saw yesterday and which prompted his remark, which was made in good faith and conscientiously in order to ensure that he concealed nothing from the Committee.

 

In fact studies have revealed that there could be an insufficient number of all-weather pilots trained to fly the JSF as the moment of transition, but having identified this risk we shall be taking steps to mitigate it.

 

I would be grateful if you would transmit this to other members of the Committee. In order to avoid any public confusion on the point I am releasing this letter to the press.

 

 

Quentin Davies MP

15 December 2009