Written questions by Francois.

What is the current status of the proposed buy of additional F-35B aircraft, beyond the 48 originally ordered.

Spending decisions on future capabilities will be published as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

What was the cost of the latest refit of HMS Lancaster.

The costs of the most recent deep maintenance periods (Docking Periods) for the specified Type 23 frigates are as follows: HMS Lancaster – £67.6 million - May 2017 - June 2020 - 156 weeksHMS Iron Duke – £102.9 million - May 2019 - May 2023 - 208 weeksHMS ...

What was the cost of the latest refit of HMS Iron Duke.

The costs of the most recent deep maintenance periods (Docking Periods) for the specified Type 23 frigates are as follows: HMS Lancaster – £67.6 million - May 2017 - June 2020 - 156 weeksHMS Iron Duke – £102.9 million - May 2019 - May 2023 - 208 weeksHMS ...

What is the total cost of the RCH 155m artillery system to the MoD in terms of a) acquisition cost and b) through-life cost.

In line with the Integrated Procurement Model, the UK’s Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) programme will deliver a Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade. This capability is defined as a Royal Artillery Battery equipped with RCH155 p...

What was the cost of the latest refit of HMS Richmond.

The costs of the most recent deep maintenance periods (Docking Periods) for the specified Type 23 frigates are as follows: HMS Lancaster – £67.6 million - May 2017 - June 2020 - 156 weeksHMS Iron Duke – £102.9 million - May 2019 - May 2023 - 208 weeksHMS ...

What is the current estimated IOC for HMS Achilles.

Achilles, the final vessel, is at an advanced stage of build at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness. As a former Defence Minister, I hope the right Hon. Gentleman will recall that the planned in-service dates for Royal Navy submarines are withhe...

What is the definition of initial operating capability (IOC) for the recently ordered 155mm RCH artillery system and when this is likely to be achieved.

In line with the Integrated Procurement Model, the UK’s Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) programme will deliver a Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade. This capability is defined as a Royal Artillery Battery equipped with RCH155 p...

What is the latest estimated IOC date for the Challenger 3.

As stated in my answer to the hon. Member for Huntington on 22 December 2025 to Question 99970, good progress is being made on the Demonstration phase trials. Whilst the programme has been impacted by some delays within the supply chain, these trials will...

What is the policy of the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) regarding the risk of potential leaks of engine oil or lubricants into the cockpit atmosphere of military aircraft.

The Military Aviation Authority (MAA) regulates military airworthiness risk within the policy framework set by the Secretary of State for Defence in the Health, Safety & Environmental Protection statement. The MAA’s Regulatory Articles and Defence Sta...

When the first of the recently ordered 72 RCH 155mm artillery systems is due to achieve initial operational capability.

In line with the Integrated Procurement Model, the UK’s Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) programme will deliver a Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade. This capability is defined as a Royal Artillery Battery equipped with RCH155 p...

Whether the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) has ever ben tasked with investigation of the potential effects of engine oil or lubricants seeping into the cabin air on passenger airliners.

Our priority is always the safety of passengers and crew, and we continue to work with industry and regulators to drive improvements in safety standards. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has investigated fume events on aircraft, including res...

What is the salary band for the recently appointed Chief Executive of the Mid & South Essex NHS Hospitals Trust, in 2026-27.

The Very Senior Managers (VSM) pay framework was published in May last year and sets out the Government’s policy for senior manager remuneration. The framework aims to align the pay approach for all National Health Service organisations in England to crea...

What research her Department has conducted into the potential effects of engine oil and lubricants leaking into the cabin air on passenger airliners.

Our priority is always the safety of passengers and crew, and we continue to work with industry and regulators to drive improvements in safety standards. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has investigated fume events on aircraft, including res...

What was the total budget for NHS Resolution, in the 2025-26 financial year.

NHS Resolution (NHSR) manages clinical negligence and other claims against the National Health Service in England.Information on NHSR’s revenue funding streams and planned expenditure for 2025/26 can be found in its Resolution through collaboration: 2025/...

How much was spent by the NHS in England on settling medical negligence claims, in 2025-26.

We have interpreted this request to mean total payments spent on clinical negligence claims. NHS Resolution manages clinical negligence and other claims against the National Health Service in England, and it publishes data for payments made under their cl...

What was the total expenditure of the NHS on medical negligence claims in the 2025-26 financial year.

We have interpreted this request to mean total payments spent on clinical negligence claims. NHS Resolution manages clinical negligence and other claims against the National Health Service in England, and it publishes data for payments made under their cl...

How many F-35B aircraft have now been delivered by Lockheed Martin to the Ministry of Defence.

48 have now been delivered by Lockheed Martin to the Ministry of Defence.

What is the salary band for the Chief Executive of the NHS East of England, in 2026-27.

There is no Chief Executive for NHS East of England in the current organisational structure. Currently the members of East of England senior management team consists of regional Executive Senior Managers (ESMs).The ESM pay framework describes the salaries...

What is the current estimated IOC date for HMS Venturer.

The first Type 31 frigate, HMS Venturer, is scheduled to be handed over to the Royal Navy by the end of the decade.

What is the current IOC date for the new, sixth generation Tempest (GCAP) aircraft in RAF service.

An Initial Operating Capability (IOC) date for the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) will be developed in close coordination with our international partners.