Written questions by Thomas.

Who in the new Defence Reform Quad structure is responsible for ensuring that new commercial technologies are adopted by the armed forces.

Adoption and integration of new commercial technologies is a collaborative process between the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group and the Armed Forces. The Military Strategic Headquarters, on behalf of Chief of Defence Staff, sets the design of the integrated force and the NAD Group are responsible for planning, resourcing and integrating applicable technology to deliver capability to the Armed Forces to meet the design.

Who is the responsible Minister for the Team Plymouth partership.

The responsible Minister for the Team Plymouth partnership is the Minister of State in the House of Lords, my noble. Friend, The Lord Coaker.

What progress his Department has made on replacing enhanced combat body armour for all deployed armed forces personnel.

The safety of personnel remains the Ministry of Defence’s top priority and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our forces and maintain operational readiness. Where it is appropriate, alternative body armour plates have been issued to those on high-threat deployments. Work continues, at pace, to test and ensure the safety of sufficient Enhanced Combat Body Armour (ECBA) plates. To date 30% of the required number of ECBA plates have been scanned and are in the process of being distributed back to units. This is being prioritised based on operational requirements. It is anticipated that the most impacted users will receive tested ECBA plates by the end of this month. The Tactical Ballistic Plate programme, which will replace both Osprey body armour and ECBA plates, is expected to deliver from 2027.

What steps he is taking to ensure the future of the UK's submersible capabilities.

This Government’s unwavering commitment to the triple lock to our nuclear deterrent is underpinned by major infrastructure programmes underway on the Clyde and in Devonport and the Dreadnought submarine programme in Barrow-in-Furness.Our commitment to SSN-AUKUS and the increased use of uncrewed submersibles will also modernise the Royal Navy’s subsea capabilities.