fantassin
06-10-2005, 04:06 AM
Extra order for super-carrier set to secure jobs at dockyard
BILL JACOBS
A JOBS boost could be on the cards for the Rosyth dockyard if the construction of a third new super-carrier goes ahead.
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram revealed during Defence Questions in the House of Commons that the French are planning to build a super-carrier on top of the two already programmed by the Royal Navy.
The Fife yard is already tipped to carry out completion work on the first two British carriers when the orders are placed in 2007.
As they are due to be built by a UK-French consortium it is expected that the same group would be awarded the finishing contract for a third vessel.
Swan Hunter on Tyneside could also stand to benefit from the work as would the Vosper Thornycroft shipyard in Southampton.
Gosport Tory MP Peter Viggers requested an undertaking that the carrier contract would be conducted in a manner that represented the best interests of the armed forces and the taxpayer.
"The only fixed star in this muddled contract seems to be that the carriers must be assembled in Rosyth," he said.
Mr Ingram told him "We have a major commitment to shipbuilding in this country in regard not only to the aircraft carriers but to the type 45 vessels and the Astute submarine programme, which will ensure thousands of jobs."
He added: "We are seeking to build two carriers, the French look as though they want to build one, which means that there are three orders, which could mean increased opportunities for British shipyards because of greater availability of work."
It is expected there will now be negotiations between the French and British governments and the BAe Systems/Thales consortium about how the work is to be allocated. It is thought that if three carriers are to be built the French will wish to assemble one in their own yards, although it could be finished off in the UK.
Edinburgh North and Leith MP Mark Lazarowicz welcomed the news. "This could be great news for Rosyth. It could secure the future of the yard and its workforce," he said.
"If the UK vessels are being finished off at Rosyth, the French carrier is likely to be as well."
http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh.cfm?id=634682005
Good to see it works both ways and that the Brits will also benefit from the joint production.
BILL JACOBS
A JOBS boost could be on the cards for the Rosyth dockyard if the construction of a third new super-carrier goes ahead.
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram revealed during Defence Questions in the House of Commons that the French are planning to build a super-carrier on top of the two already programmed by the Royal Navy.
The Fife yard is already tipped to carry out completion work on the first two British carriers when the orders are placed in 2007.
As they are due to be built by a UK-French consortium it is expected that the same group would be awarded the finishing contract for a third vessel.
Swan Hunter on Tyneside could also stand to benefit from the work as would the Vosper Thornycroft shipyard in Southampton.
Gosport Tory MP Peter Viggers requested an undertaking that the carrier contract would be conducted in a manner that represented the best interests of the armed forces and the taxpayer.
"The only fixed star in this muddled contract seems to be that the carriers must be assembled in Rosyth," he said.
Mr Ingram told him "We have a major commitment to shipbuilding in this country in regard not only to the aircraft carriers but to the type 45 vessels and the Astute submarine programme, which will ensure thousands of jobs."
He added: "We are seeking to build two carriers, the French look as though they want to build one, which means that there are three orders, which could mean increased opportunities for British shipyards because of greater availability of work."
It is expected there will now be negotiations between the French and British governments and the BAe Systems/Thales consortium about how the work is to be allocated. It is thought that if three carriers are to be built the French will wish to assemble one in their own yards, although it could be finished off in the UK.
Edinburgh North and Leith MP Mark Lazarowicz welcomed the news. "This could be great news for Rosyth. It could secure the future of the yard and its workforce," he said.
"If the UK vessels are being finished off at Rosyth, the French carrier is likely to be as well."
http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh.cfm?id=634682005
Good to see it works both ways and that the Brits will also benefit from the joint production.