Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has for the provision of simulation and training infrastructure to support the New Medium Helicopter programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The New Medium Helicopter (NMH) contract includes the provision of four Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs). These will be housed at RAF Benson, along with associated training infrastructure.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on the Type 83 design process; and whether it will be completed by 2038.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to my response to question 106653 on 27 January 2026.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of using defence bonds as a way to finance capital-intensive commitments in the Strategic Defence Review.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The majority of government borrowing is financed through the issuance of UK government bonds (known as gilts) by the UK Debt Management Office (DMO). In addition, some of the government’s financing is raised in the retail savings market through products offered by National Savings and Investments (NS&I). Finance raised via gilts or NS&I products is generally not tied to specific areas of government spending, in order to offer the best value-for-money for taxpayers.

The government keeps the introduction of new debt financing instruments under regular review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints relating to the speed of maintenance for urgent repairs were received by Amey from 23/03/26 to 06/04/26.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This information is not held in the format requested for Amey and VIVO. Complaints from families are received and managed by Pinnacle’s National Service Centre. Amey and VIVO do not record or manage these complaints from families.

Between 23 March 2026 and 06 April 2026, Pinnacle received 16 complaints concerning the length of time taken to complete an urgent repair task.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints relating to the speed of maintenance for urgent repairs were received by VIVO from 23/03/26 to 06/04/26.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This information is not held in the format requested for Amey and VIVO. Complaints from families are received and managed by Pinnacle’s National Service Centre. Amey and VIVO do not record or manage these complaints from families.

Between 23 March 2026 and 06 April 2026, Pinnacle received 16 complaints concerning the length of time taken to complete an urgent repair task.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints relating to the speed of maintenance for urgent repairs were received by Pinnacle Service Families from 23/03/26 to 06/04/26.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Between 23 March 2026 and 06 April 2026, Pinnacle received 16 complaints concerning the length of time taken to complete an urgent repair task.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason were urgent repairs requested for Service Family Accommodation from 23/03/26 to 06/04/26.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Between 23 March and 6 April 2026, a total of 1,639 requests were logged as urgent repair requests for Service Family Accommodation properties across the UK Defence estate.

A report that is detailing the breakdown of urgent repairs by their reason can be seen in the table below.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many urgent repairs were requested for Service Family Accommodation from 23/03/26 to 06/04/26.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Between 23 March and 6 April 2026, a total of 1,639 requests were logged as urgent repair requests for Service Family Accommodation properties across the UK Defence estate.

A report that is detailing the breakdown of urgent repairs by their reason can be seen in the table below.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps is her Department taking to ensure those renewing short-term medical driving licences are kept up to date with the progress of their application.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) writes to drivers to advise of any action taken on their case, for example where medical information has been requested from their healthcare professional or when a reminder has been issued and no response has been received.

The DVLA is also enhancing its online service to provide clearer application progress updates via the driver and vehicles customer account. Details on how to sign up for an account can be found at www.gov.uk/driver-vehicles-account.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the number of (a) falsely-flagged and (b) non-flagged vessels that have passed through the English Channel and are linked to the Russian state since July 2024.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave on 20 April 2026, to Question 125435.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many (a) falsely-flagged and (b) non-flagged vessels have passed through the English Channel since July 2024.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave on 20 April 2026, to Question 125435.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his her Department taking to ensure all driving licence applications are processed in a timely manner.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Specific information on the average time to process driving licence applications where the applicant is over the age of 70 and applied online is not available. The table below shows the average number of working days taken to process non-medical driving licence applications made online between January and 14 April 2026.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence and customers should receive their driving licence within a few days following a successful online application.

However, driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated can take longer as in the interests of road safety the DVLA must be satisfied that the required medical standards are met before a licence is issued.

The DVLA is currently experiencing an increase in both the volume and complexity of driving licence applications from people with one or more medical conditions. Unfortunately, this has led to longer waiting times for some customers. To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its online service and has launched a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to drivers with medical conditions. The DVLA has also launched a new digital medical services portal. These enhancements, along with the recruitment of additional staff to deal with medical applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements for customers.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what is the average time a new licence is issued to those who are over 70 and have applied online.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Specific information on the average time to process driving licence applications where the applicant is over the age of 70 and applied online is not available. The table below shows the average number of working days taken to process non-medical driving licence applications made online between January and 14 April 2026.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online services are the quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence and customers should receive their driving licence within a few days following a successful online application.

However, driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated can take longer as in the interests of road safety the DVLA must be satisfied that the required medical standards are met before a licence is issued.

The DVLA is currently experiencing an increase in both the volume and complexity of driving licence applications from people with one or more medical conditions. Unfortunately, this has led to longer waiting times for some customers. To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its online service and has launched a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to drivers with medical conditions. The DVLA has also launched a new digital medical services portal. These enhancements, along with the recruitment of additional staff to deal with medical applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements for customers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) when he expects the Ministry of Defence to respond to Freedom of Information request FOI2026/00636, submitted by my office on the 9th January 2026, and (b) what the reasons are for the delay in issuing a response.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

It has taken more time than expected to collate the information in scope of this request. I apologise for the delay and will aim to provide a substantive response as soon as possible.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on resolving disputes over pay and work conditions in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

We continue to engage constructively with trade unions. It would not be appropriate to offer more detail of these engagements as discussions are ongoing.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has considered New Zealand's retirement villages sector in developing policy on the future of the social care system in England.

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

We recognise the important role retirement villages play in providing high quality, safe, and suitable homes which can help people stay independent and healthy for longer and reduce the need to draw on health and social care provision.

The Department of Health and Social Care is working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to support the development of suitable older people’s housing. We are aware of relevant international evidence in this area, including examples cited in the Older People’s Housing Taskforce report such as older people’s housing models in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, under what legislation do British forces operate in UK waters.

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

UK forces operate in accordance with both international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and domestic law.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many operational vessels are available to the Royal Navy with hospital or casualty receiving facilities.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve mine hunting capabilities.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to issue an update to the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on (a) Project Beehive, (b) MMCM program (Marine Mine Counter Measures), (c) SeaCat and (d) the repairs to HMS Bangor.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of using defence bonds as a way to finance capital-intensive commitments in the Strategic Defence Review.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many MOD police officers have been recruited in each year since 2020; and what his Department's recruitment target was in each of those years.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) is critical to securing Defence assets and people. Recruitment is kept under constant review and is driven by Defence requirements and takes account of the number of leavers and joiners at any given time.

At the end of December 2025, Defence saw an increase in workforce that delivers the policing, guarding, and security effect across the delivery groups under a single authority (SJC). We are accelerating recruitment of Ministry of Defence Police, MOD Guard Service through targeted campaigns and implementation of targeted retention bonus for hard to recruit locations and there are now some 250 more Military Provost Guard Service than in 2020. This steady growth is supported by plans to increase this in coming months. Defence takes security seriously, which is demonstrated by the carve outs from civil service recruitment freezes and voluntary exit schemes.

The annual budget for the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) are shown below:

The workforce numbers for the Ministry of Defence Police are below. Note that the 2025 figure reflects workforce plans set under the previous government:

¹ Ministry of Defence Police officers

² Non-uniformed Civil Servants

* Original target. Target was replaced during the course of the year by site specific recruitment targets because of ongoing reviews to reduce the number of MDP posts across the UK resulting from introduction of a new operating police model (OPM), reprioritisation of security risk and the replacement of MDP with alternative policing/security providers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the annual funding in cash terms has been for MOD Police in each year since 2020.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) is critical to securing Defence assets and people. Recruitment is kept under constant review and is driven by Defence requirements and takes account of the number of leavers and joiners at any given time.

At the end of December 2025, Defence saw an increase in workforce that delivers the policing, guarding, and security effect across the delivery groups under a single authority (SJC). We are accelerating recruitment of Ministry of Defence Police, MOD Guard Service through targeted campaigns and implementation of targeted retention bonus for hard to recruit locations and there are now some 250 more Military Provost Guard Service than in 2020. This steady growth is supported by plans to increase this in coming months. Defence takes security seriously, which is demonstrated by the carve outs from civil service recruitment freezes and voluntary exit schemes.

The annual budget for the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) are shown below:

The workforce numbers for the Ministry of Defence Police are below. Note that the 2025 figure reflects workforce plans set under the previous government:

¹ Ministry of Defence Police officers

² Non-uniformed Civil Servants

* Original target. Target was replaced during the course of the year by site specific recruitment targets because of ongoing reviews to reduce the number of MDP posts across the UK resulting from introduction of a new operating police model (OPM), reprioritisation of security risk and the replacement of MDP with alternative policing/security providers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the workforce numbers were for the Ministry of Defence Police in each year since 2020.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) is critical to securing Defence assets and people. Recruitment is kept under constant review and is driven by Defence requirements and takes account of the number of leavers and joiners at any given time.

At the end of December 2025, Defence saw an increase in workforce that delivers the policing, guarding, and security effect across the delivery groups under a single authority (SJC). We are accelerating recruitment of Ministry of Defence Police, MOD Guard Service through targeted campaigns and implementation of targeted retention bonus for hard to recruit locations and there are now some 250 more Military Provost Guard Service than in 2020. This steady growth is supported by plans to increase this in coming months. Defence takes security seriously, which is demonstrated by the carve outs from civil service recruitment freezes and voluntary exit schemes.

The annual budget for the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) are shown below:

The workforce numbers for the Ministry of Defence Police are below. Note that the 2025 figure reflects workforce plans set under the previous government:

¹ Ministry of Defence Police officers

² Non-uniformed Civil Servants

* Original target. Target was replaced during the course of the year by site specific recruitment targets because of ongoing reviews to reduce the number of MDP posts across the UK resulting from introduction of a new operating police model (OPM), reprioritisation of security risk and the replacement of MDP with alternative policing/security providers.

Mental Health Awareness Week

Proportional representation for general elections

UK arms sales to Israel

Two-state solution in Israel and Palestine

Holding Iran’s regime to account and proscribing the IRGC

Approval for China’s new embassy

Supporting Ukraine and seizing Russia’s frozen assets

Protections for Hong Kongers

Protection and restoration of ancient woodland

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they give to the working hours of Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel when calculating pay for those staff; and what assessment they have made of whether Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel remuneration meets minimum hourly wage levels.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the noble Lady to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones), in the House of Commons on 3 March 2026 to the hon. Member for Lewes (James MacCleary) in response to Question 115299.

James MacCleary

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has assessed the adequacy of National Minimum Wage compliance for Royal Fleet Auxiliary roles.115299

Answer

Louise Sandher-Jones

Royal Fleet Auxillary salaries are benchmarked against comparable roles across the wider maritime industry to ensure competitiveness and reflect market conditions. Constructive pay discussions with the Maritime Trade Unions are ongoing, focused on supporting retention and delivering a modern, growing organisation capable of meeting current and future defence tasking.