Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has for the use of army heavy goods vehicles to transport essential medical equipment across the UK.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work across Government, including with the Department for Health and Social Care, to ensure that Defence is prepared to provide support to other Government Departments, civil authorities and devolved partners where requested and appropriate to do so.

Currently there are two Immediate Replenishment Groups, based in Aldershot and Salford, who can be tasked by the 'National Supply Disruption Response' crisis hotline, and are on three hours notice to move. These are comprised of 27 military vehicles and 66 military personnel. Other logistic assets are being held at varying states of readiness, which include approximately 139 vehicles and 518 personnel. In most circumstances, commercial options will be the most appropriate. Of course, the military stand by whenever required.