Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Dreghorn Training Area due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. Dreghorn Training Area is not a Ministry of Defence-owned Training Area.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Imber Range 3 due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by members of the public, (b) physical incursion into the range danger area by animals, (c) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (d) any other reason since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Ponteland Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Imber Range 2 due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Larkhill ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Hythe Range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Salisbury Plain Training Area due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Bodmin Training Area due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Millpool Range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Langport Range and dry training area due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Dartmoor Training Area due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Chickerell range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Lulworth ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how frequently the Covenant Community Action Group meets.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The Covenant Community Action Group meets quarterly and is co-Chaired by the Ministry of Defence and Forces in Mind Trust. The most recent meeting took place on 19 March 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer by the Minister for Veterans and People to Question 123 at the Defence Committee on 11 March 2025, HC 572, what the 100 out-of-date medical requirements were that have been removed from the recruitment process.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The latest version of Joint Service Publication (JSP) 950, Leaflet 6-7-7, which sets the medical entry standards for the Armed Forces, was published in August 2024 following an intensive review undertaken by clinical experts, Defence personnel staff and the recruiting agencies. Medical entry standards have been designed to select people in, rather than be a barrier to entry and, where evidence exists to support change, standards have been made more permissive.

Each standard was considered in light of existing and/or emerging medical evidence and assessed against the likelihood of the associated medical risk of a five-year engagement. This work resulted in 100 changes to JSP 950 Leaflet 6-7-7 and revised medical entry standards for conditions including respiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal disorders.

I will place a copy of JSP950 Leaflet 6-7-7 (August 2024) in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on launching the Families Hub.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The Families Hub launched on 26 February 2025. The Hub is an online information portal for Armed Forces families and personnel, designed to help them navigate Service life. It signposts users to support, organisations, policies and guidance on issues such as childcare, health and wellbeing, housing, partner support and finance. The Hub aims to provide the Service community, particularly families, with a single, easily accessible source of relevant information so that they are better equipped to understand their options and make informed decisions on how they manage Service life as a family. The Hub can be accessed at: https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/families/

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Warminster ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Imber Range One due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Westdown ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Bulford ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Tain Air Weapons Range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Castlemartin training area due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Straight Point Ranges Complex due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Air Defence Range Manorbier due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Imber Range Four due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Kirkcudbright Range Control due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Woodbury Common Training Area due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Garelochhead Range Control due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Tregantle ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Donna Nook Air Weapons Range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Yoxter Range and dry training area due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Fort George Range Control due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Castlelaw Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Cape Wrath Training Centre due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Otmoor Range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Blackdog Range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Barry Buddon due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Bellshiel demolition range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Moody's Down Range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Pirbright Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Longmoor Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Lydd Range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Holbeach Air Weapons Range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Redesdale Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Chilcomb Range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Altcar Rifle Range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Barrossa Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024..

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Otterburn Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Wathgill Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Thetford due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Fingringhoe due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the delivery of Remus 100s to the Royal Navy.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Royal Navy has been operating a range of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to detect sea mines since 2005. In the past three years, we have increased our pool of Remus 100 and 300 UUVs and deployed them to globally-deployed frontline Royal Naval units to survey the seabed and detect sea mines. Uncrewed and autonomous systems are already transforming operational capability, acting as force multipliers for our sailors and a catalyst for military and commercial innovation. The Royal Navy has an ambition to accelerate, scale and develop these systems by harnessing UK industry and the thriving Science and Technology sector to produce world-leading capabilities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Sennybridge Training Area due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Penally Gallery Range due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Ponteland Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Barton Road due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Beckingham due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Ash Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Aldershot due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Leek and Upper Hulme Training area due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Catterick Training Area due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Holcombe Moor due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Kingsbury ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Sealand ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Whittington ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Battle Hill Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Feldom Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours of firing time have been lost at Bellerby Ranges due to (a) physical incursion into the range danger area by (i) members of the public and (ii) animals, (b) aerial incursion into the range danger area by drones and (c) for other reasons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the delivery of Remus 300s to the Royal Navy.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Royal Navy has been operating a range of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to detect sea mines since 2005. In the past three years, we have increased our pool of Remus 100 and 300 UUVs and deployed them to globally-deployed frontline Royal Naval units to survey the seabed and detect sea mines. Uncrewed and autonomous systems are already transforming operational capability, acting as force multipliers for our sailors and a catalyst for military and commercial innovation. The Royal Navy has an ambition to accelerate, scale and develop these systems by harnessing UK industry and the thriving Science and Technology sector to produce world-leading capabilities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Office for Value for Money was consulted on the recently advertised remuneration package of the National Security Adviser.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The OVfM has an immediate focus on supporting value for money decisions surrounding the spending review, including developing efficiency targets and plans, scrutinising investment proposals and conducting VfM studies. It will also recommend system reforms. It is not a requirement to consult the OVfM on salary cases.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Office for Value for Money was consulted on the recently advertised remuneration package for the National Armaments Director.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The OVfM has an immediate focus on supporting value for money decisions surrounding the spending review, including developing efficiency targets and plans, scrutinising investment proposals and conducting VfM studies. It will also recommend system reforms. It is not a requirement to consult the OVfM on salary cases.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many military drones in (a) logistics, (b) strike and (c) ISR roles were purchased by his Department since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

An order for three aircraft delivering Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance UK capability was placed at the end of January 2025, through an Urgent Capability Requirement project.

Separately, as previously announced, working on behalf of the International Fund for Ukraine and the international Drone Capability Coalition, the UK has placed contracts for a significant number of drones for use by the armed forces of Ukraine.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when MQ-9B protector will reach (a) initial and (b) full operating capability.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Protector Programme expects to declare Initial Operating Capability this year. The projected date for Full Operating Capability is yet to be established.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has placed any orders for decoy cruise missile-like weapons since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

No such procurements have been undertaken in this period, but our requirements are kept under constant review to ensure that our Armed Forces have the battle-winning capabilities they need.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of pausing the Sustainable Farming Incentive for new applications on (a) flood risk and (b) flood management for agricultural land in South Suffolk constituency.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

All actions in the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) have been assessed for the impact on a number of indicators, including flood risk. By benefiting soil health, many of the actions in SFI will reduce flood risk by increasing infiltration and therefore, reducing run off. These actions will be delivered across tens of thousands of farmers for the next three years. The specific actions to manage flood risk are mainly in Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier, which will open in the summer.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to re-open the Sustainable Farming Incentive for new applications for farmers in South Suffolk constituency.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This Government has committed £5 billion over 2 years to sustainable farming and nature recovery and we’ve worked hard to get as many farmers into environmental land management schemes as possible.

We have closed the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) for new applications because the current SFI budget has been successfully allocated, with large-scale uptake of the scheme and 37,000 live SFI agreements delivering towards our environmental targets.

We will be reforming the SFI offer to direct funding towards SFI actions which are most appropriate for the least productive land and have the strongest case for enduring public investment. This will allow us to align SFI with our work on the Land Use Framework and the 25-year farming roadmap to protect the most productive land and boost food security, whilst delivering for nature.

We expect to publish more information about the reformed SFI offer in summer 2025. This will include an indication of when we expect to re-open SFI for applications.

We invite farmers from South Suffolk to follow our blog to keep updated on the latest news.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with businesses on the applicability of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

I have been fortunate enough to meet with many businesses and organisations that are both signed up and who are also interested in signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant. This Government is committed to fully extending the legal duty, which will increase education and awareness of the unique nature of Service.

Defence Relationship Management provides direct engagement with employers across the UK through its account management team. This engagement supports employers in understanding the Armed Forces Covenant, developing bespoke and meaningful pledges, and progressing on to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme where appropriate.

The Ministry of Defence has policy in place to hold organisations to account known as the ‘the Covenant Test’, where ultimately, if a company fails the test, their right to utilise the Armed Forces Covenant title and branding can be removed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase the accountability of businesses that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

I have been fortunate enough to meet with many businesses and organisations that are both signed up and who are also interested in signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant. This Government is committed to fully extending the legal duty, which will increase education and awareness of the unique nature of Service.

Defence Relationship Management provides direct engagement with employers across the UK through its account management team. This engagement supports employers in understanding the Armed Forces Covenant, developing bespoke and meaningful pledges, and progressing on to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme where appropriate.

The Ministry of Defence has policy in place to hold organisations to account known as the ‘the Covenant Test’, where ultimately, if a company fails the test, their right to utilise the Armed Forces Covenant title and branding can be removed.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish a list of all senior service posts forecast to earn above £200,000 in financial year 2025-2026.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office does not make forecasts of the earnings of individuals. Civil Service Statistics (Table 35) provides information on the number of civil servants earning over £200,000 and in other bandings. The latest information can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/civil-service-statistics-2024

The Cabinet Office also publishes an annual ‘high earner’ list of named senior civil servants and senior officials in departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies. The most recently published information can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/senior-officials-high-earners-salaries

The previous administration did not update this list prior to the General Election. The Cabinet Office will publish a new 2025 list in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to avoid potential late diagnosis of ADHD for patients in South Suffolk.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

It is the responsibility of the integrated care boards (ICBs) in England to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including assessments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

NHS England has established an ADHD taskforce which is working to bring together those with lived experience with experts from the National Health Service, education, charity, and justice sectors. The taskforce is working to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, including timely and equitable access to services and support, with the final report expected in the summer of 2025.

In conjunction with the taskforce, NHS England has carried out detailed work to develop an ADHD data improvement plan to inform future service planning. NHS England has also captured examples from ICBs who are trialling innovative ways of delivering ADHD services, and is using this information to support systems to tackle ADHD waiting lists and provide support to address people’s needs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to expedite the publication of the Strategic Defence Review in the context of proposals to send a British peacekeeping force to Ukraine.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

As the Prime Minister reported in his Statement on Defence and Security in the House of Commons, the Strategic Defence Review is advanced, and he will lay it in Parliament as soon as he can. The Report, which will be published in the Spring, will help set the path for Britain’s defence for the next decade.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the annual rent paid by the United States is for the use of (a) RAF Mildenhall, (b) RAF Lakenheath, (c) Ascension Island, (d) Diego Garcia and (e) any other UK base in use by that country.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

In accordance with the 1973 Cost Sharing Arrangement (CSA), the US is responsible for bearing the cost for the operational running of the bases it occupies such as utilities, as well as any development in support of its forces at those locations. There are some exceptions to that, where development is a requirement of UK legislation or Ministry of Defence policy and there is no equivalent United States legal or policy requirement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate his Department has made of the total operational cost paid by the United States for all military bases shared with the United Kingdom.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

In accordance with the 1973 Cost Sharing Arrangement (CSA), the US is responsible for bearing the cost for the operational running of the bases it occupies such as utilities, as well as any development in support of its forces at those locations. There are some exceptions to that, where development is a requirement of UK legislation or Ministry of Defence policy and there is no equivalent United States legal or policy requirement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the annual cost to the public purse is of substitute service single accommodation.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The total cost to the public purse for Substitute Single Service Accommodation for Financial Year 2024-25 is £75,240,044.

This figure includes rent, monthly service fees and utilities costs. However, utilities data for March 2025 is not yet available.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of constructing a UK-based space launch facility.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The European demand for satellite launches up to 2033 is forecast to be worth $50 billion. Capturing even 2% of this would bring around $1 billion in revenues for the UK economy. Positioning the UK with growing launch capabilities is a key part of our ambitions to be a global space player, and foster strategic independence. There would be value for the UK’s strategic independence in the long-term if this sector is able to flourish, in addition to the economic growth it will being. That is why we are supporting the development of a sustainable UK launch industry, collaborating with both industry and international partners. Additionally, the UK is involved in NATO's STARLIFT programme to enhance space launch capabilities within the alliance, ensuring preparedness for future launch requirements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the National Armaments Director Candidate brief, published by his Department, what the restrictions on political activities are.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Secretary of State will meet with the National Armaments Director as often as necessary to deliver the required Defence outputs.

The parameters and performance targets will be agreed in line with the salary approval from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

The successful candidate for the National Armaments Director role, like any Civil Service appointment, will be subject to the Civil Service Code, including its standards on political impartiality. They will be required to declare any outside interests as part of the recruitment process in accordance with the policy on declaration and management of outside interests.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the (a) parameters and (b) performance targets are that will inform whether the new National Armaments Director will be entitled to receive a bonus.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Secretary of State will meet with the National Armaments Director as often as necessary to deliver the required Defence outputs.

The parameters and performance targets will be agreed in line with the salary approval from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

The successful candidate for the National Armaments Director role, like any Civil Service appointment, will be subject to the Civil Service Code, including its standards on political impartiality. They will be required to declare any outside interests as part of the recruitment process in accordance with the policy on declaration and management of outside interests.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how frequently does he plan to meet with the new National Armaments Director.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Secretary of State will meet with the National Armaments Director as often as necessary to deliver the required Defence outputs.

The parameters and performance targets will be agreed in line with the salary approval from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

The successful candidate for the National Armaments Director role, like any Civil Service appointment, will be subject to the Civil Service Code, including its standards on political impartiality. They will be required to declare any outside interests as part of the recruitment process in accordance with the policy on declaration and management of outside interests.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March to Question 36712 on Ministry of Defence: Public Appointments, whether his Department had (a) agreed and (b) finalised the remuneration package for the new National Armaments Director (i) before or (ii) on 13 March 2025.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The remuneration package for the new National Armaments Director was agreed and finalised before 13 March 2025.

The recruitment advert (which includes salary details) was published on 18 March 2025 in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles to ensure open and fair competition.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many homes on the defence estate were constructed in the years (a) since 2000, (b) 1980-1999, (c) 1960-1979, (d) 1940-1959, (e) 1900-1939 and (f) before 1900.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The table below provides the number of Service Family Accommodation homes, broken down into the decades they were constructed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish minutes of his meeting with military chiefs and the Prime Minister at Permanent Joint Headquarters on 20 March 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

I recognise the importance of this Government's commitment to being open and transparent. However, as a former Defence Minister I hope that the hon. Gentleman will recognise that on this occasion the importance of national security outweighs this interest to ensure the safety of the UK and its citizens remains upheld.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has held discussions with his US counterpart on deploying air capabilities in Ukraine.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Secretary regularly speaks with his US and international counterparts, including on our collective support to Ukraine’s armed forces in response to Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion.

The UK along with Allies and partners, recently held discussions on future security arrangements for Ukraine across the air, maritime and land domains. The specifics of these plans are subject to further discussions. The UK is set to host further joint planning meetings at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood this week, where discussions will continue over several days.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average rent paid per month is on the defence estate for (a) detached houses, (b) semi-detached houses, (c) terraced houses, (d) bungalows, (e) flats without lifts and (f) flats with lifts.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

This information is not held.

The Combined Accommodation Assessment System (CAAS) determines the accommodation charge for individual Service Family Accommodation (SFA) properties based on condition, scale, and location.

SFA entitlement depends on various factors, such as family size and rank of Serving person.

Charging rates for SFA for Service personnel are set by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of provision of childcare for serving personnel.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

We recognise that appropriate childcare provision can be challenging for parents who serve in the Armed Forces and continue to explore options for improving support to our personnel in affording and accessing it.

Although the responsibility for childcare provision lies elsewhere within Government and is not a core Defence output, many Defence sites within the UK provide opportunities for local childcare providers to make use of facilities on, or close to, the Defence estate. These settings can also benefit the local civilian community. Overseas, we have extended Wraparound Childcare to families serving overseas which will potentially save up to £3,400 annually for Service families.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many properties on the defence estate are categorised as (a) detached houses, (b) semi-detached houses, (c) terraced houses, (d) bungalows, (e) flats without lifts and (f) flats with lifts.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The information is not held in the format requested.

The table below details the number of Service Family Accommodation broken down by the type of property, which is categorised by the Department as follows:

Please note that these figures are as at 1 March 2025

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Army's submission to the Strategic Defence Review, whether it is his policy that the Army should be (a) resilient, (b) built upon collaboration with industry, (c) increasing UK prosperity and reinforcing operational independence.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Strategic Defence Review will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century, including for the British Army. The Review has been considering the state of the defence technological and industrial base, and the contribution of Defence to the Government's Growth Mission.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the estimated initial cost to the public purse is of a single ncrewed Air Vehicle Loyal Wingman platform.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

There are several military capabilities which are often publicly referred to as 'Loyal Wingmen', however the UK does not currently have a programme or platform defined as this.

There are several projects, mostly at the concepts stage, that are developing Autonomous Collaborative Platforms to deliver a range of additive warfighting capabilities, including in the Air domain. The projects differ markedly in range and scale; which will therefore impact the future costs per platform, which are not yet known.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Army's submission to the Strategic Defence Review, whether it is his policy that the Army fights from the land as an enabler for multi-domain operations as part of the Integrated Force alongside allies and partners.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century, including for the British Army. The Review has been considering all aspects of Defence, including the major features of the force structure needed to create the necessary integrated multi-domain Defence capability of the future. The SDR has also been considering the UK's international partnerships and alliances, and how these can be strengthened in the cause of collective security and deterrence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Army's submission to the Strategic Defence Review, whether it is his policy that the Army fights on the land to be the world-class army that (a) NATO is asking for and (b) the UK needs.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Strategic Defence Review will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century, including for the British Army. The Review has been considering all aspects of Defence, including the major features of the force structure needed to create the necessary integrated multi-domain Defence capability of the future. NATO will remain the cornerstone of UK Defence, the Review has been looking at enhancing the UK's contribution to the Alliance, while protecting vital UK sovereign requirements and strategic reach.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Army's submission to the Strategic Defence Review, whether it is his policy that the Army harnesses the talent of exceptional people (a) enabling, (b) inspiring and (c) optimising the force.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Strategic Defence Review will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century, including for the British Army. All Defence personnel-in and out of uniform-are at the heart of Defence's plans, the Review has been considering the approach to recruiting, educating, training, and retaining the people needed for One Defence. This includes Regular, Reserve, Civil Service, and industry and how Service life can be improved for those who commit to serve their country in uniform.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Army's submission to the Strategic Defence Review, whether it is his policy that the Army enhances (a) society, (b) cohesion and (c) resilience with land forces as the framework integrator for national (i) resilience, (ii) defence and (iii) regeneration.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century, including for the British Army. The first duty of Government is to keep the country safe and protect its citizens. The SDR has been examining the Defence capabilities and options to reinforce UK homeland security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Army's submission to the Strategic Defence Review, whether it is his policy that the Army (a) fights and (b) operates differently by rapidly integrating technology at every level to multiply (i) lethality, (ii) mass and (iii) effect.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Strategic Defence Review will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century, including for the British Army. The Review has been considering all aspects of Defence, such as the opportunities for modernisation and transformation, including through the rapid and consistent application of new technologies.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral Answer to the hon. Member for Dumfries and Galloway of 24 March 2025, Official Report, Column 632, if he will list all British candidates he has met with regarding a Jet Trainer replacement since 5th July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Ministers and officials from the Ministry of Defence regularly meet for routine discussions with a range of defence sector aerospace companies, including those who produce jet trainer aircraft. The UK’s Hawk T1 aircraft is scheduled to remain in service until 2030 and the Hawk T2 aircraft out-of-service date is in 2040. A decision on the production, sustainment and replacement of the aircraft will not be taken until after the Strategic Defence Review is completed.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what number and proportion of farms are part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive in South Suffolk constituency.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As of 21 March 2024, there are 154 farmers with a Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) agreement (SFI Pilot, SFI 23 and SFI EO) in South Suffolk constituency.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral Answer to the hon. Member for Dumfries and Galloway of 24 March 2025, Official Report, Column 632, if he will list all the candidates he has met with regarding a Jet Trainer replacement from the (a) United Kingdom, (b) United States and (c) any other nation since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Ministers and officials from the Ministry of Defence regularly meet for routine discussions with a range of defence sector aerospace companies, including those who produce jet trainer aircraft. The UK’s Hawk T1 aircraft is scheduled to remain in service until 2030 and the Hawk T2 aircraft out-of-service date is in 2040. A decision on the production, sustainment and replacement of the aircraft will not be taken until after the Strategic Defence Review is completed.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the expected return on investment from the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

There are now 37,000 live Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) agreements. This means 4.3 million hectares of land are now in SFI agreements.

As a result, returns on these agreements include:

• 800,000 hectares of arable land being farmed without insecticides reducing harm to pollinators and improving soil health
• 300,000 hectares of low input grassland being managed sustainably helping to protect biodiversity and improve water quality
• 75,000 kilometres of hedgerows being protected and restored providing essential habitats for wildlife, improving carbon storage, and strengthening natural flood defences.

We are evolving the SFI offer and are exploring ways to better target the money for instance, potentially towards smaller farmers, the least productive land or delivering specific outcomes. We will provide further details about the reformed SFI offer once the Spending Review has been completed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has authorised any changes to the allocated rotary budget for the (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26 financial year.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

There is no centrally held rotary budget. Rotary capability is delivered across multiple front line commands, who make prioritisation decisions within their budgets as a part of normal financial management.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the target in service date is for MQ-9B Protector.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave to Question 25381 on 28 January 2025, to the hon Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Johanna Baxter). There has been no delay to the Protector Programme In-Service date.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 36716 on Armed Forces: Housing, how many of the 9,000 Service personnel and their families benefitted from the delivery of damp and mould packages (a) between July 2023 and 4 July 2024 and (b) since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

Over 9,000 damp and mould packages have been delivered since the Damp and Mould Taskforce was established in 2023, of which:

a) 5,253 packages were delivered between July 2023 and 4 July 2024.

b) 3,714 packages were delivered since 5 July 2024 to date.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy on visa fees is for non-UK based veterans and their dependents who have served in the UK armed forces for four or more years.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

This Government is committed to removing visa fees for non-UK veterans who have served our country for four or more years, and their dependents. The Ministry of Defence is actively working with the Home Office to take this forward.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of retiring HMS Northumberland on the Royal Navy’s operational capacity; and what steps he is taking to support the Royal Navy until the Type 26 frigates are delivered.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the right hon. Member to the response provided by the Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard) to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) on 10 December 2024 to Question 17147.