Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the number of (a) welders and (b) electricians required to complete surface warship construction.

The Ministry of Defence has regular engagement across all aspects of surface warship construction, including the skills required to support it.

This Government recognises the vital role Defence, and its skilled workforce, play not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the United Kingdom.

The Strategic Defence Review will look at the approach to recruiting, educating, training and retaining the people needed across the whole of Defence, including industry.