Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps are being taken to address delays to the Aircrew Helmet programme, and how he will make sure his department's approach to the procurement aligns with the objectives of the Defence Investment Plan to promote to British manufacturing, sovereign capability and SME participation.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The procurement strategy for the Aircrew Helmet Programme will align with the objectives of the Defence Investment Plan in promoting British manufacturing, sovereign capability, and SME participation, whilst also ensuring that the required safety and capability requirements are met, and that the procurement ultimately delivers value for money to the UK taxpayer.
Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of a) new build and b) repaired old military homes, have been constructed using timber since the publication of the Defence Housing Strategy in December 2025, and whether his Department is considering strengthening the duty to 'have consideration' to the use of timber for construction as part of the overall strategy.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Since the publication of the Defence Housing Strategy in November 2025, the Department has not purchased any new build Service Family Accommodation (SFA) of timber frame construction. In relation to the repair or refurbishment of SFA, the Department is in the early stages of the renovation programme and most of the existing military housing stock is predominately solid wall or brick and block construction.
Decisions on the materials used in future Defence housing developments and major refurbishments will continue to be taken on a case-by-case basis, balancing factors including safety, performance, sustainability, value for money and operational requirements.
Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has considered the potential merits of using timber to a) build new and b) repair old military homes.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Defence Housing Strategy published on 3 November 2025, sets out a vision for the future transformation of military homes through a record £9 billion investment over a decade. The Department is in the early stages of the renovation programme.
As we look to apply modern methods of construction to sustain and renew the Service Family Accommodation estate, timber may be considered, where it is determined to be the most cost effective and sustainable solution. This approach will be underpinned by thorough planning and stringent quality control to ensure it effectively supports military capability.