Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what additional infrastructure will be required to accommodate the Boeing Poseidon P8 maritime patrol aircraft; and what is the estimated cost of doing so.

Dedicated P-8A infrastructure will be developed at RAF Lossiemouth. This integrated facility, which is expected to be operational by 2021, will include accommodation for two front line squadrons, an operational conversion unit with simulators, maintenance hangars, and a mission support centre.

As commercial negotiations are still ongoing in relation to this infrastructure, I am withholding information relating to estimated costs as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.