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1713165

	registered interest
	date	23/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	RAF Lossiemouth
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel are based at RAF Lossiemouth.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	23283
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>As at 1 January 2024, there were 2,310 UK Armed Forces Service personnel stationed at RAF Lossiemouth.</p><p> </p><p>Please note the following caveats:</p><p> </p><ol><li>All UK Forces Service personnel comprises UK Regular Forces, Gurkhas, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel , Volunteer Reserve, Serving Regular Reserve, Sponsored Reserve, and Full-Time Reserve Service (FTRS) of unknown origin. University Officer Cadets are excluded. The figure includes trained and untrained personnel.</li></ol><p> </p><ol start="2"><li>The figure has been rounded to the nearest 10. However, numbers ending in &quot;5&quot; have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.</li></ol><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 26/04/2024 13:20:07 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1713168

	registered interest
	date	23/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Ukraine: Military Aid
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government's press release entitled, PM to announce largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine on visit to Poland, published on 23 April 2024, when the first deliveries of military support under the package will take place.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	23102
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>This latest military aid package to Ukraine, the most comprehensive so far, covering the land, sea and air environments, will be delivered over the next few months. It will be delivered as quickly as possible, in accordance with priorities agreed with Ukrainian partners.</p><p>For operational security reasons, we generally do not comment on the progress of our deliveries, as to do so would risk both lives and the effectiveness of the aid.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 26/04/2024 10:08:07 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1713169

	registered interest
	date	23/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Ukraine: Military Aid
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government's press release entitled, PM to announce largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine on visit to Poland, published on 23 April 2024, what types of (a) armoured and (b) all-terrain vehicles his Department will supply to Ukraine.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	23103
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>We will provide over 400 vehicles to Ukraine, consisting of 160 protected mobility Husky vehicles; 162 armoured vehicles comprised of further AS90 155mm artillery guns and Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked); and 78 all-terrain vehicles made up of Bv-206 and Viking.</p><p>These will provide much needed additional artillery support, reconnaissance capabilities, and amphibious mobility to support development of the Ukrainian marine corps.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 26/04/2024 10:08:35 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1713196

	registered interest
	date	23/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Air Force: Training
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 April 2024 to Question 21960 on Air Force: Training, for what reason the requirement for pilots to successfully complete Phase 2 Military Flying Training was lower in the training years (a) 2022-23 and (b) 2023-24.
	tabling member constituency	Blaenau Gwent
	tabling member printed	Nick Smith
	uin	23175
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>For each training year, the number of trainee RAF pilots who enter the Phase 2 Military Flying Training System is based on the number of pilots required to commence Operational Conversion Units (OCUs) to meet the Front Line demand for qualified pilots in future years.</p><p> </p><p>The RAF Pipeline Management Team, governed through the Aircrew Pipeline Steering Group, actively manage the pilot training pipelines to ensure that trainee flowthrough is kept to an optimum to reduce periods of holdover for trainees between training courses. In 2022-23 and 2023-24 there was a managed reduction in some of the training pipelines to appropriately control the numbers of trainees in holdover ahead of joining OCUs. Additionally, as already documented, Hawk T2 engine issues impacted the number of Fast Jet pilots trained during this period.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 26/04/2024 10:09:07 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	3928 label Biography information for Nick Smith

1712771

	registered interest
	date	22/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Northern Ireland Security Guard Service: Medals
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make it his policy to include the Northern Ireland Security Guard Service in the issuing of the Wider Service medal.
	tabling member constituency	East Londonderry
	tabling member printed	Mr Gregory Campbell
	uin	22901
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2024 answer text <p>The guarding of military establishments in Northern Ireland by the Northern Ireland Security Guard Service is not activity that falls within scope of the eligibility criteria for the Wider Service Medal.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 25/04/2024 11:04:22 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	1409 label Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell

1712890

	registered interest
	date	22/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Israel: Military Aid
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Israeli Air Force operated planes on non-military operations have (a) landed and (b) taken off from British territory since 7 October 2023.
	tabling member constituency	East Lothian
	tabling member printed	Kenny MacAskill
	uin	23049
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2024 answer text <p>For operational security reasons and as a matter of policy, the MOD does not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military aircraft movements or operations.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 25/04/2024 14:37:29 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	4772 label Biography information for Kenny MacAskill

1712891

	registered interest
	date	22/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Israel: Military Aid
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 28 November 2023 to Question 2667 on Israel: Military Aid, whether any (a) lethal and (b) other military equipment other than medical supplies has been provided to Israel since 4 December 2023.
	tabling member constituency	East Lothian
	tabling member printed	Kenny MacAskill
	uin	23050
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2024 answer text <p>No lethal or other military equipment has been provided to Israel by the UK Government since 4 December 2023.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 25/04/2024 14:37:55 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	4772 label Biography information for Kenny MacAskill

1712896

	registered interest
	date	22/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Army
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the Full-Time Trade Trained Strength (FTTTS) of the Army is; and when he expects the Army's FTTTS to be reduced to 72,500.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	23034
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2024 answer text <p>As at 1 January 2024, the Full-Time Trade Trained Strength (FTTTS) of the British Army was 73,190. The Army is continuing to implement <em>Future Soldier </em>which will see a Regular Army of 73,000 by 2025.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 25/04/2024 14:37:07 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1712902

	registered interest
	date	22/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Israel: Military Aid
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Royal Air Force operated planes have flown to Israel since 2 February 2024.
	tabling member constituency	East Lothian
	tabling member printed	Kenny MacAskill
	uin	23053
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2024 answer text <p>From 2 February 2024 to 23 April 2024, nine RAF operated planes have flown to Israel.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 25/04/2024 14:38:18 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	4772 label Biography information for Kenny MacAskill

1702396

	registered interest
	date	19/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Army: Tanks
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many tanks are in service with the Army as of 19 April 2024.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22814
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/04/2024 answer text <p>I am withholding this information as it is held by the Ministry of Defence with a view to its publication, at an undetermined future date. This information will be published in the form of the UK Armed Forces Equipment and Formations 2024, which will be accessible here <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-armed-forces-equipment-and-formations" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-armed-forces-equipment-and-formations.</a></p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 24/04/2024 15:41:17 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1702398

	registered interest
	date	19/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Iran: Israel
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 April 2024 to Question 21848 on Iran: Israel, what the basis was for UK military action in defence of Israel.
	tabling member constituency	East Lothian
	tabling member printed	Kenny MacAskill
	uin	22819
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/04/2024 answer text <p>As stated by the Prime Minister in the Iran-Israel Update to Parliament on 15 April 2024 (Volume 748), the UK was acting in the collective self-defence of Israel and for regional security.</p><p> </p><p>There are no plans to publish the legal advice, in line with long-standing precedent.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 24/04/2024 10:57:11 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	4772 label Biography information for Kenny MacAskill

1702402

	registered interest
	date	19/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Air Force: Military Aircraft
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) France and (b) Spain on the procurement of a new modular training aircraft for the Royal Air Force.
	tabling member constituency	North Durham
	tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
	uin	22705
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/04/2024 answer text <p>The current RAF Capability Investigation seeks to fully understand the UK's sovereign requirements for future advanced fast-jet training solutions ahead of any potential future international engagement.</p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 24/04/2024 15:39:40 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
	tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1702403

	registered interest
	date	19/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Ministry of Defence: General Dynamics
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department paid General Dynamics UK in 2023-24 for the Ajax programme.
	tabling member constituency	North Durham
	tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
	uin	22706
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/04/2024 answer text <p>Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 the Ministry of Defence paid General Dynamics UK £437 million for the AJAX programme. All payments have been made in accordance with performance against the payment schedule and milestone plan within the extant fixed price contract. I am unable to publish the details of the milestones and payment schedule as this may prejudice the Department’s commercial interests.</p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 24/04/2024 15:40:08 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
	tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

1702493

	registered interest
	date	19/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Members: Correspondence
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to reply substantively to the correspondence of 11 March 2024 from the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, reference MC2024/04369.
	tabling member constituency	Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney
	tabling member printed	Gerald Jones
	uin	22766
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/04/2024 answer text <p>The response to the correspondence in question was sent to the hon. Member on 23 April 2024. The delay was due to an administrative oversight, for which I apologise. (Please note that the correct reference is MC2024/04269 rather than 04369 which we had previously advised.)</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 24/04/2024 15:40:52 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
	tabling member	4501 label Biography information for Gerald Jones

1702112

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Falkland Islands: Defence
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of the air defences of the Falkland Islands in the context of the recent procurement by Argentina of F-16 jets from Denmark.
	tabling member constituency	South Swindon
	tabling member printed	Sir Robert Buckland
	uin	22556
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2024 answer text <p>We keep our defence posture in the South Atlantic under regular review to take account of the full range of developments. I am satisfied that the current military presence in the South Atlantic is at the appropriate level to ensure the defence of the Islands.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 25/04/2024 14:20:33 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	4106 label Biography information for Sir Robert Buckland

1702131

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	AUKUS: Civil Servants
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what civil service grade are the officials supporting the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum.
	tabling member constituency	Garston and Halewood
	tabling member printed	Maria Eagle
	uin	22502
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2024 answer text <p>A variety of officials at varying grades are engaged in supporting the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum. We have an SCS 2 official as a co-chair to the Forum. It is not practical to further quantify a specific number of people supporting it at any given moment.</p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 23/04/2024 12:30:16 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
	tabling member	483 label Biography information for Maria Eagle

1702132

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	AUKUS
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to support the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum.
	tabling member constituency	Garston and Halewood
	tabling member printed	Maria Eagle
	uin	22503
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2024 answer text <p>Since its announcement at the AUKUS Defence Ministers meeting in December 2023, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) have consulted on the AUKUS Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum TORs, developing them in partnership with trade associations from all three nations. The MOD hosted the first forum trilaterally in Washington DC on 9 April 2024. Two further forums are planned for 2024, in the UK and Australia respectively.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 23/04/2024 12:31:08 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
	tabling member	483 label Biography information for Maria Eagle

1702170

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Bereavement Counselling
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what training is required to be a designated visiting officer for a bereaved family of a member of the armed forces.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22642
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) as a caring employer has a comprehensive range of policies and resources in place to support families during the most difficult of times.</p><p> </p><p>With regards to accommodation, Joint Service Publication 464: Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, makes provision for bereaved families to remain in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for up to two years following the death of a Service person. It is normal to issue a 93 Day Notice to Vacate when two years is reached but retention of SFA may be extended beyond the two-year period on a discretionary case by case basis.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack bereavement guide for families of service personnel who die in service is provided by the MOD. A routine review of the pack is underway, with a view to publication in summer 2024. The Purple Pack is supplemented and supported by documentation provided by each of the Services, for example, the Army Families Guide.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack is provided for immediate adult family members. Information is provided for adults to support and manage bereaved children, including signposting to relevant charities and organisations.</p><p> </p><p>The Defence Bereaved Families Group meets twice a year in Spring and Autumn. In the past five years it has met ten times. The next meeting will be in September 2024, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. The Minister for Defence People and Families does not routinely attend the meeting, but he attended in September 2023 and regularly receives briefings from the Chair and co-Chair.</p><p> </p><p>Visiting Officers (VO) are an integral part of the support provided by Defence to bereaved families. VO are provided by each Service and undertake training relevant to their role. The Royal Navy (RN) has 60 personnel trained as VO, the Army has 1,390 and the Royal Air Force (RAF) has 1,103.</p><p> </p><p>Each Service runs training courses that meet their specific requirements, for personnel designated as a VO. For example, all RN VO are either Specialist Welfare Worker trained, having completed the Defence Specialist Welfare Worker Course (a Level Five Social Care training course specifically for the care of service personnel and their families), or Civil Service Social Workers registered with Social Work England (or equivalent devolved UK registration). In addition, all must attend and pass the RN Family &amp; People Support VO training every three years.</p><p> </p><p>For the Army, formal, in person training is provided for those conducting both Casualty Notification Officer and VO duties. The training competency is extant for four years; if not appointed within that time frame a one-day refresher course can be conducted to enable another four years competency. The Army’s recommended minimum provision of VO is set at ten for Regular major units, three for Regular minor units, and two for Reserve units.</p><p> </p><p>The RAF VO competency is awarded after completion of a workshop and remains current for four years after which volunteers must attend another briefing day to renew it. Units are expected to aim for 2-5% of their trained strength to have the VO competency.</p><p> </p><p>There is no fixed period of time during which a VO will provide support to a bereaved family. This is dependent upon circumstances but normally would not extend beyond an Inquest or Service Inquiry. Appropriate transition plans will be put in place including arrangements for ongoing support to be provided through a point of contact from either the relevant single Service aftercare cell or unit HR staff.</p><p> </p><p>Via DBS’s Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), Defence also provides support to the bereaved via its national network of welfare managers (WM). A WM is assigned to families who experience a death in service and usually attends the initial visit alongside the VO. Support from VWS then endures for as long as is required and focuses on access to financial, welfare and wellbeing support as required, including issues in relation to the Armed Forces Pension. WMs who support clients in such circumstances are specifically trained and supervised as part of a VWS experts’ group. VWS is part of the Defence Bereaved Families Group.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 22643 22644 22646 22647 22648 22649 22651 22652 question first answered 26/04/2024 10:13:34 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1702172

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Bereavement Counselling
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many designated visiting officers there are in each service of the armed forces; and what are the targeted numbers in each service.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22643
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) as a caring employer has a comprehensive range of policies and resources in place to support families during the most difficult of times.</p><p> </p><p>With regards to accommodation, Joint Service Publication 464: Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, makes provision for bereaved families to remain in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for up to two years following the death of a Service person. It is normal to issue a 93 Day Notice to Vacate when two years is reached but retention of SFA may be extended beyond the two-year period on a discretionary case by case basis.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack bereavement guide for families of service personnel who die in service is provided by the MOD. A routine review of the pack is underway, with a view to publication in summer 2024. The Purple Pack is supplemented and supported by documentation provided by each of the Services, for example, the Army Families Guide.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack is provided for immediate adult family members. Information is provided for adults to support and manage bereaved children, including signposting to relevant charities and organisations.</p><p> </p><p>The Defence Bereaved Families Group meets twice a year in Spring and Autumn. In the past five years it has met ten times. The next meeting will be in September 2024, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. The Minister for Defence People and Families does not routinely attend the meeting, but he attended in September 2023 and regularly receives briefings from the Chair and co-Chair.</p><p> </p><p>Visiting Officers (VO) are an integral part of the support provided by Defence to bereaved families. VO are provided by each Service and undertake training relevant to their role. The Royal Navy (RN) has 60 personnel trained as VO, the Army has 1,390 and the Royal Air Force (RAF) has 1,103.</p><p> </p><p>Each Service runs training courses that meet their specific requirements, for personnel designated as a VO. For example, all RN VO are either Specialist Welfare Worker trained, having completed the Defence Specialist Welfare Worker Course (a Level Five Social Care training course specifically for the care of service personnel and their families), or Civil Service Social Workers registered with Social Work England (or equivalent devolved UK registration). In addition, all must attend and pass the RN Family &amp; People Support VO training every three years.</p><p> </p><p>For the Army, formal, in person training is provided for those conducting both Casualty Notification Officer and VO duties. The training competency is extant for four years; if not appointed within that time frame a one-day refresher course can be conducted to enable another four years competency. The Army’s recommended minimum provision of VO is set at ten for Regular major units, three for Regular minor units, and two for Reserve units.</p><p> </p><p>The RAF VO competency is awarded after completion of a workshop and remains current for four years after which volunteers must attend another briefing day to renew it. Units are expected to aim for 2-5% of their trained strength to have the VO competency.</p><p> </p><p>There is no fixed period of time during which a VO will provide support to a bereaved family. This is dependent upon circumstances but normally would not extend beyond an Inquest or Service Inquiry. Appropriate transition plans will be put in place including arrangements for ongoing support to be provided through a point of contact from either the relevant single Service aftercare cell or unit HR staff.</p><p> </p><p>Via DBS’s Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), Defence also provides support to the bereaved via its national network of welfare managers (WM). A WM is assigned to families who experience a death in service and usually attends the initial visit alongside the VO. Support from VWS then endures for as long as is required and focuses on access to financial, welfare and wellbeing support as required, including issues in relation to the Armed Forces Pension. WMs who support clients in such circumstances are specifically trained and supervised as part of a VWS experts’ group. VWS is part of the Defence Bereaved Families Group.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 22642 22644 22646 22647 22648 22649 22651 22652 question first answered 26/04/2024 10:13:34 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1702173

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Housing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many days after the death of a member of the armed forces are their families required to leave service family accommodation.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22644
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) as a caring employer has a comprehensive range of policies and resources in place to support families during the most difficult of times.</p><p> </p><p>With regards to accommodation, Joint Service Publication 464: Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, makes provision for bereaved families to remain in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for up to two years following the death of a Service person. It is normal to issue a 93 Day Notice to Vacate when two years is reached but retention of SFA may be extended beyond the two-year period on a discretionary case by case basis.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack bereavement guide for families of service personnel who die in service is provided by the MOD. A routine review of the pack is underway, with a view to publication in summer 2024. The Purple Pack is supplemented and supported by documentation provided by each of the Services, for example, the Army Families Guide.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack is provided for immediate adult family members. Information is provided for adults to support and manage bereaved children, including signposting to relevant charities and organisations.</p><p> </p><p>The Defence Bereaved Families Group meets twice a year in Spring and Autumn. In the past five years it has met ten times. The next meeting will be in September 2024, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. The Minister for Defence People and Families does not routinely attend the meeting, but he attended in September 2023 and regularly receives briefings from the Chair and co-Chair.</p><p> </p><p>Visiting Officers (VO) are an integral part of the support provided by Defence to bereaved families. VO are provided by each Service and undertake training relevant to their role. The Royal Navy (RN) has 60 personnel trained as VO, the Army has 1,390 and the Royal Air Force (RAF) has 1,103.</p><p> </p><p>Each Service runs training courses that meet their specific requirements, for personnel designated as a VO. For example, all RN VO are either Specialist Welfare Worker trained, having completed the Defence Specialist Welfare Worker Course (a Level Five Social Care training course specifically for the care of service personnel and their families), or Civil Service Social Workers registered with Social Work England (or equivalent devolved UK registration). In addition, all must attend and pass the RN Family &amp; People Support VO training every three years.</p><p> </p><p>For the Army, formal, in person training is provided for those conducting both Casualty Notification Officer and VO duties. The training competency is extant for four years; if not appointed within that time frame a one-day refresher course can be conducted to enable another four years competency. The Army’s recommended minimum provision of VO is set at ten for Regular major units, three for Regular minor units, and two for Reserve units.</p><p> </p><p>The RAF VO competency is awarded after completion of a workshop and remains current for four years after which volunteers must attend another briefing day to renew it. Units are expected to aim for 2-5% of their trained strength to have the VO competency.</p><p> </p><p>There is no fixed period of time during which a VO will provide support to a bereaved family. This is dependent upon circumstances but normally would not extend beyond an Inquest or Service Inquiry. Appropriate transition plans will be put in place including arrangements for ongoing support to be provided through a point of contact from either the relevant single Service aftercare cell or unit HR staff.</p><p> </p><p>Via DBS’s Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), Defence also provides support to the bereaved via its national network of welfare managers (WM). A WM is assigned to families who experience a death in service and usually attends the initial visit alongside the VO. Support from VWS then endures for as long as is required and focuses on access to financial, welfare and wellbeing support as required, including issues in relation to the Armed Forces Pension. WMs who support clients in such circumstances are specifically trained and supervised as part of a VWS experts’ group. VWS is part of the Defence Bereaved Families Group.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 22642 22643 22646 22647 22648 22649 22651 22652 question first answered 26/04/2024 10:13:34 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1702174

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Army: Bereavement Counselling
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Army publication entitled Family Guide: What to do after the death of a partner or relative, when that guide (a) was last updated and (b) will be updated next.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22645
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>The Army Families Guide was introduced in 2010. Minor amendments have been made subsequently, with the last amendment in August 2023.</p><p> </p><p>The Bereavement and Aftercare Support team in Army Headquarters are partway through a revision of this guide to update content, improve layout and complement rather than duplicate the Defence Purple Pack. Work is due to be completed in autumn 2024.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 26/04/2024 10:13:57 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1702175

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Bereavement Counselling
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how long visiting officers allocated to a service family who have experienced the bereavement of a member of the armed forces are allocated for.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22646
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) as a caring employer has a comprehensive range of policies and resources in place to support families during the most difficult of times.</p><p> </p><p>With regards to accommodation, Joint Service Publication 464: Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, makes provision for bereaved families to remain in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for up to two years following the death of a Service person. It is normal to issue a 93 Day Notice to Vacate when two years is reached but retention of SFA may be extended beyond the two-year period on a discretionary case by case basis.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack bereavement guide for families of service personnel who die in service is provided by the MOD. A routine review of the pack is underway, with a view to publication in summer 2024. The Purple Pack is supplemented and supported by documentation provided by each of the Services, for example, the Army Families Guide.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack is provided for immediate adult family members. Information is provided for adults to support and manage bereaved children, including signposting to relevant charities and organisations.</p><p> </p><p>The Defence Bereaved Families Group meets twice a year in Spring and Autumn. In the past five years it has met ten times. The next meeting will be in September 2024, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. The Minister for Defence People and Families does not routinely attend the meeting, but he attended in September 2023 and regularly receives briefings from the Chair and co-Chair.</p><p> </p><p>Visiting Officers (VO) are an integral part of the support provided by Defence to bereaved families. VO are provided by each Service and undertake training relevant to their role. The Royal Navy (RN) has 60 personnel trained as VO, the Army has 1,390 and the Royal Air Force (RAF) has 1,103.</p><p> </p><p>Each Service runs training courses that meet their specific requirements, for personnel designated as a VO. For example, all RN VO are either Specialist Welfare Worker trained, having completed the Defence Specialist Welfare Worker Course (a Level Five Social Care training course specifically for the care of service personnel and their families), or Civil Service Social Workers registered with Social Work England (or equivalent devolved UK registration). In addition, all must attend and pass the RN Family &amp; People Support VO training every three years.</p><p> </p><p>For the Army, formal, in person training is provided for those conducting both Casualty Notification Officer and VO duties. The training competency is extant for four years; if not appointed within that time frame a one-day refresher course can be conducted to enable another four years competency. The Army’s recommended minimum provision of VO is set at ten for Regular major units, three for Regular minor units, and two for Reserve units.</p><p> </p><p>The RAF VO competency is awarded after completion of a workshop and remains current for four years after which volunteers must attend another briefing day to renew it. Units are expected to aim for 2-5% of their trained strength to have the VO competency.</p><p> </p><p>There is no fixed period of time during which a VO will provide support to a bereaved family. This is dependent upon circumstances but normally would not extend beyond an Inquest or Service Inquiry. Appropriate transition plans will be put in place including arrangements for ongoing support to be provided through a point of contact from either the relevant single Service aftercare cell or unit HR staff.</p><p> </p><p>Via DBS’s Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), Defence also provides support to the bereaved via its national network of welfare managers (WM). A WM is assigned to families who experience a death in service and usually attends the initial visit alongside the VO. Support from VWS then endures for as long as is required and focuses on access to financial, welfare and wellbeing support as required, including issues in relation to the Armed Forces Pension. WMs who support clients in such circumstances are specifically trained and supervised as part of a VWS experts’ group. VWS is part of the Defence Bereaved Families Group.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 22642 22643 22644 22647 22648 22649 22651 22652 question first answered 26/04/2024 10:13:34 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1702176

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Bereavement Counselling
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's guidance entitled Purple Pack bereavement guide for families of service personnel, updated on 7 March 2023, whether that guidance is provided in conjunction with other documentation developed by each service.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22647
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) as a caring employer has a comprehensive range of policies and resources in place to support families during the most difficult of times.</p><p> </p><p>With regards to accommodation, Joint Service Publication 464: Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, makes provision for bereaved families to remain in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for up to two years following the death of a Service person. It is normal to issue a 93 Day Notice to Vacate when two years is reached but retention of SFA may be extended beyond the two-year period on a discretionary case by case basis.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack bereavement guide for families of service personnel who die in service is provided by the MOD. A routine review of the pack is underway, with a view to publication in summer 2024. The Purple Pack is supplemented and supported by documentation provided by each of the Services, for example, the Army Families Guide.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack is provided for immediate adult family members. Information is provided for adults to support and manage bereaved children, including signposting to relevant charities and organisations.</p><p> </p><p>The Defence Bereaved Families Group meets twice a year in Spring and Autumn. In the past five years it has met ten times. The next meeting will be in September 2024, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. The Minister for Defence People and Families does not routinely attend the meeting, but he attended in September 2023 and regularly receives briefings from the Chair and co-Chair.</p><p> </p><p>Visiting Officers (VO) are an integral part of the support provided by Defence to bereaved families. VO are provided by each Service and undertake training relevant to their role. The Royal Navy (RN) has 60 personnel trained as VO, the Army has 1,390 and the Royal Air Force (RAF) has 1,103.</p><p> </p><p>Each Service runs training courses that meet their specific requirements, for personnel designated as a VO. For example, all RN VO are either Specialist Welfare Worker trained, having completed the Defence Specialist Welfare Worker Course (a Level Five Social Care training course specifically for the care of service personnel and their families), or Civil Service Social Workers registered with Social Work England (or equivalent devolved UK registration). In addition, all must attend and pass the RN Family &amp; People Support VO training every three years.</p><p> </p><p>For the Army, formal, in person training is provided for those conducting both Casualty Notification Officer and VO duties. The training competency is extant for four years; if not appointed within that time frame a one-day refresher course can be conducted to enable another four years competency. The Army’s recommended minimum provision of VO is set at ten for Regular major units, three for Regular minor units, and two for Reserve units.</p><p> </p><p>The RAF VO competency is awarded after completion of a workshop and remains current for four years after which volunteers must attend another briefing day to renew it. Units are expected to aim for 2-5% of their trained strength to have the VO competency.</p><p> </p><p>There is no fixed period of time during which a VO will provide support to a bereaved family. This is dependent upon circumstances but normally would not extend beyond an Inquest or Service Inquiry. Appropriate transition plans will be put in place including arrangements for ongoing support to be provided through a point of contact from either the relevant single Service aftercare cell or unit HR staff.</p><p> </p><p>Via DBS’s Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), Defence also provides support to the bereaved via its national network of welfare managers (WM). A WM is assigned to families who experience a death in service and usually attends the initial visit alongside the VO. Support from VWS then endures for as long as is required and focuses on access to financial, welfare and wellbeing support as required, including issues in relation to the Armed Forces Pension. WMs who support clients in such circumstances are specifically trained and supervised as part of a VWS experts’ group. VWS is part of the Defence Bereaved Families Group.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 22642 22643 22644 22646 22648 22649 22651 22652 question first answered 26/04/2024 10:13:34 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1702177

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Bereavement Counselling
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department's guidance entitled Purple Pack bereavement guide for families of service personnel, updated on 7 March 2023, is next due to be updated.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22648
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) as a caring employer has a comprehensive range of policies and resources in place to support families during the most difficult of times.</p><p> </p><p>With regards to accommodation, Joint Service Publication 464: Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, makes provision for bereaved families to remain in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for up to two years following the death of a Service person. It is normal to issue a 93 Day Notice to Vacate when two years is reached but retention of SFA may be extended beyond the two-year period on a discretionary case by case basis.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack bereavement guide for families of service personnel who die in service is provided by the MOD. A routine review of the pack is underway, with a view to publication in summer 2024. The Purple Pack is supplemented and supported by documentation provided by each of the Services, for example, the Army Families Guide.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack is provided for immediate adult family members. Information is provided for adults to support and manage bereaved children, including signposting to relevant charities and organisations.</p><p> </p><p>The Defence Bereaved Families Group meets twice a year in Spring and Autumn. In the past five years it has met ten times. The next meeting will be in September 2024, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. The Minister for Defence People and Families does not routinely attend the meeting, but he attended in September 2023 and regularly receives briefings from the Chair and co-Chair.</p><p> </p><p>Visiting Officers (VO) are an integral part of the support provided by Defence to bereaved families. VO are provided by each Service and undertake training relevant to their role. The Royal Navy (RN) has 60 personnel trained as VO, the Army has 1,390 and the Royal Air Force (RAF) has 1,103.</p><p> </p><p>Each Service runs training courses that meet their specific requirements, for personnel designated as a VO. For example, all RN VO are either Specialist Welfare Worker trained, having completed the Defence Specialist Welfare Worker Course (a Level Five Social Care training course specifically for the care of service personnel and their families), or Civil Service Social Workers registered with Social Work England (or equivalent devolved UK registration). In addition, all must attend and pass the RN Family &amp; People Support VO training every three years.</p><p> </p><p>For the Army, formal, in person training is provided for those conducting both Casualty Notification Officer and VO duties. The training competency is extant for four years; if not appointed within that time frame a one-day refresher course can be conducted to enable another four years competency. The Army’s recommended minimum provision of VO is set at ten for Regular major units, three for Regular minor units, and two for Reserve units.</p><p> </p><p>The RAF VO competency is awarded after completion of a workshop and remains current for four years after which volunteers must attend another briefing day to renew it. Units are expected to aim for 2-5% of their trained strength to have the VO competency.</p><p> </p><p>There is no fixed period of time during which a VO will provide support to a bereaved family. This is dependent upon circumstances but normally would not extend beyond an Inquest or Service Inquiry. Appropriate transition plans will be put in place including arrangements for ongoing support to be provided through a point of contact from either the relevant single Service aftercare cell or unit HR staff.</p><p> </p><p>Via DBS’s Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), Defence also provides support to the bereaved via its national network of welfare managers (WM). A WM is assigned to families who experience a death in service and usually attends the initial visit alongside the VO. Support from VWS then endures for as long as is required and focuses on access to financial, welfare and wellbeing support as required, including issues in relation to the Armed Forces Pension. WMs who support clients in such circumstances are specifically trained and supervised as part of a VWS experts’ group. VWS is part of the Defence Bereaved Families Group.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 22642 22643 22644 22646 22647 22649 22651 22652 question first answered 26/04/2024 10:13:34 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1702178

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Bereavement Counselling
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department produces guidance for bereavement of a family member in the armed forces for children and young people.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22649
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) as a caring employer has a comprehensive range of policies and resources in place to support families during the most difficult of times.</p><p> </p><p>With regards to accommodation, Joint Service Publication 464: Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, makes provision for bereaved families to remain in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for up to two years following the death of a Service person. It is normal to issue a 93 Day Notice to Vacate when two years is reached but retention of SFA may be extended beyond the two-year period on a discretionary case by case basis.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack bereavement guide for families of service personnel who die in service is provided by the MOD. A routine review of the pack is underway, with a view to publication in summer 2024. The Purple Pack is supplemented and supported by documentation provided by each of the Services, for example, the Army Families Guide.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack is provided for immediate adult family members. Information is provided for adults to support and manage bereaved children, including signposting to relevant charities and organisations.</p><p> </p><p>The Defence Bereaved Families Group meets twice a year in Spring and Autumn. In the past five years it has met ten times. The next meeting will be in September 2024, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. The Minister for Defence People and Families does not routinely attend the meeting, but he attended in September 2023 and regularly receives briefings from the Chair and co-Chair.</p><p> </p><p>Visiting Officers (VO) are an integral part of the support provided by Defence to bereaved families. VO are provided by each Service and undertake training relevant to their role. The Royal Navy (RN) has 60 personnel trained as VO, the Army has 1,390 and the Royal Air Force (RAF) has 1,103.</p><p> </p><p>Each Service runs training courses that meet their specific requirements, for personnel designated as a VO. For example, all RN VO are either Specialist Welfare Worker trained, having completed the Defence Specialist Welfare Worker Course (a Level Five Social Care training course specifically for the care of service personnel and their families), or Civil Service Social Workers registered with Social Work England (or equivalent devolved UK registration). In addition, all must attend and pass the RN Family &amp; People Support VO training every three years.</p><p> </p><p>For the Army, formal, in person training is provided for those conducting both Casualty Notification Officer and VO duties. The training competency is extant for four years; if not appointed within that time frame a one-day refresher course can be conducted to enable another four years competency. The Army’s recommended minimum provision of VO is set at ten for Regular major units, three for Regular minor units, and two for Reserve units.</p><p> </p><p>The RAF VO competency is awarded after completion of a workshop and remains current for four years after which volunteers must attend another briefing day to renew it. Units are expected to aim for 2-5% of their trained strength to have the VO competency.</p><p> </p><p>There is no fixed period of time during which a VO will provide support to a bereaved family. This is dependent upon circumstances but normally would not extend beyond an Inquest or Service Inquiry. Appropriate transition plans will be put in place including arrangements for ongoing support to be provided through a point of contact from either the relevant single Service aftercare cell or unit HR staff.</p><p> </p><p>Via DBS’s Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), Defence also provides support to the bereaved via its national network of welfare managers (WM). A WM is assigned to families who experience a death in service and usually attends the initial visit alongside the VO. Support from VWS then endures for as long as is required and focuses on access to financial, welfare and wellbeing support as required, including issues in relation to the Armed Forces Pension. WMs who support clients in such circumstances are specifically trained and supervised as part of a VWS experts’ group. VWS is part of the Defence Bereaved Families Group.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 22642 22643 22644 22646 22647 22648 22651 22652 question first answered 26/04/2024 10:13:34 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1702179

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Death
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many young people had their continuity of education allowance withdrawn as a result of the death of a service member in each of the last five years broken down by key stage of education.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22650
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>In the last five years, no young person has had their continuity of education allowance withdrawn as a result of the death of a claiming Service person.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 26/04/2024 10:14:20 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1702180

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Bereavement Counselling
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times the Defence Bereaved Families Group has met in the last five years; and when it is due to meet next.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22651
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) as a caring employer has a comprehensive range of policies and resources in place to support families during the most difficult of times.</p><p> </p><p>With regards to accommodation, Joint Service Publication 464: Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, makes provision for bereaved families to remain in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for up to two years following the death of a Service person. It is normal to issue a 93 Day Notice to Vacate when two years is reached but retention of SFA may be extended beyond the two-year period on a discretionary case by case basis.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack bereavement guide for families of service personnel who die in service is provided by the MOD. A routine review of the pack is underway, with a view to publication in summer 2024. The Purple Pack is supplemented and supported by documentation provided by each of the Services, for example, the Army Families Guide.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack is provided for immediate adult family members. Information is provided for adults to support and manage bereaved children, including signposting to relevant charities and organisations.</p><p> </p><p>The Defence Bereaved Families Group meets twice a year in Spring and Autumn. In the past five years it has met ten times. The next meeting will be in September 2024, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. The Minister for Defence People and Families does not routinely attend the meeting, but he attended in September 2023 and regularly receives briefings from the Chair and co-Chair.</p><p> </p><p>Visiting Officers (VO) are an integral part of the support provided by Defence to bereaved families. VO are provided by each Service and undertake training relevant to their role. The Royal Navy (RN) has 60 personnel trained as VO, the Army has 1,390 and the Royal Air Force (RAF) has 1,103.</p><p> </p><p>Each Service runs training courses that meet their specific requirements, for personnel designated as a VO. For example, all RN VO are either Specialist Welfare Worker trained, having completed the Defence Specialist Welfare Worker Course (a Level Five Social Care training course specifically for the care of service personnel and their families), or Civil Service Social Workers registered with Social Work England (or equivalent devolved UK registration). In addition, all must attend and pass the RN Family &amp; People Support VO training every three years.</p><p> </p><p>For the Army, formal, in person training is provided for those conducting both Casualty Notification Officer and VO duties. The training competency is extant for four years; if not appointed within that time frame a one-day refresher course can be conducted to enable another four years competency. The Army’s recommended minimum provision of VO is set at ten for Regular major units, three for Regular minor units, and two for Reserve units.</p><p> </p><p>The RAF VO competency is awarded after completion of a workshop and remains current for four years after which volunteers must attend another briefing day to renew it. Units are expected to aim for 2-5% of their trained strength to have the VO competency.</p><p> </p><p>There is no fixed period of time during which a VO will provide support to a bereaved family. This is dependent upon circumstances but normally would not extend beyond an Inquest or Service Inquiry. Appropriate transition plans will be put in place including arrangements for ongoing support to be provided through a point of contact from either the relevant single Service aftercare cell or unit HR staff.</p><p> </p><p>Via DBS’s Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), Defence also provides support to the bereaved via its national network of welfare managers (WM). A WM is assigned to families who experience a death in service and usually attends the initial visit alongside the VO. Support from VWS then endures for as long as is required and focuses on access to financial, welfare and wellbeing support as required, including issues in relation to the Armed Forces Pension. WMs who support clients in such circumstances are specifically trained and supervised as part of a VWS experts’ group. VWS is part of the Defence Bereaved Families Group.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 22642 22643 22644 22646 22647 22648 22649 22652 question first answered 26/04/2024 10:13:35 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1702189

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Defence: Disinformation and Propaganda
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what technologies his Department is using to enhance defence against (a) cyber-propaganda and (b) misinformation campaigns.
	tabling member constituency	Slough
	tabling member printed	Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi
	uin	22615
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) doesn’t focus on a technological solution to cyber-propaganda and misinformation campaigns because it is fundamentally a human issue rather than a technological one. There is a cross-Government effort to identify, counter and shut down sources of malign narratives and dis/misinformation, but ultimately our focus is on ensuring our people – military, civilian, and supporting industry – are resilient to it. Additionally, misinformation can be produced far faster than it can be countered and therefore providing MOD personnel with the right skills and mindset, including through regular mandatory training, is the best way to ensure we have resilience in the face of cyber-propaganda and misinformation campaigns.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 26/04/2024 10:12:42 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	4638 label Biography information for Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi

1702196

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Training
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department has taken to evaluate the effectiveness of the impact on bilateral relations of its military training programmes abroad.
	tabling member constituency	Slough
	tabling member printed	Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi
	uin	22622
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2024 answer text <p>Military training is an important part of our bilateral defence relationship with many countries, helping to build influence, understanding and interoperability. All training is considered and evaluated on a case-by-case basis using insight from our defence attaches at post, other parts of the global defence network, and set against broader defence and wider Government objectives. Feedback is also received from training recipients which can be used to shape potential further opportunities. Wider Defence engagement is also monitored and evaluated as part of Defence's annual review cycles.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 25/04/2024 14:20:51 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	4638 label Biography information for Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi

1702250

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	BAE Systems: Explosions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has opened its own investigation into the potential causes of the explosion at BAE Systems Monmouthshire on 17 April 2024.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	22458
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2024 answer text <p>This was an isolated incident at the BAE Systems (BAES) Glascoed site, Monmouthshire that occurred in a remote building away from the production facilities. Tried and tested safety protocols were immediately enacted and there were no casualties. BAES is continuing to investigate and has engaged the Health and Safety Executive.</p><p> </p><p>At this stage BAES do not envisage anything but a minimal impact on operations. Defence Equipment &amp; Support are closely engaged with BAES to support their investigations. At present, a separate Ministry of Defence investigation is not planned.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 23/04/2024 12:29:22 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1702251

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	BAE Systems: Explosions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the explosion at BAE Systems Monmouthshire on munitions production.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	22459
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2024 answer text <p>This was an isolated incident at the BAE Systems (BAES) Glascoed site, Monmouthshire that occurred in a remote building away from the production facilities. Tried and tested safety protocols were immediately enacted and there were no casualties. BAES is continuing to investigate and has engaged the Health and Safety Executive.</p><p> </p><p>At this stage BAES do not envisage anything but a minimal impact on operations. Defence Equipment &amp; Support are closely engaged with BAES to support their investigations. At present, a separate Ministry of Defence investigation is not planned.</p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 23/04/2024 14:32:00 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1702253

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Fleet Solid Support Ships
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the in-service date is for the first ship to be delivered by the Fleet Solid Support Ship programme.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	22461
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2024 answer text <p>The first Fleet Solid Support ship (FSS) is expected to enter service by 2031, after first of class trials and equipment fits.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 23/04/2024 13:18:37 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1702255

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Fleet Solid Support Ships
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has paid to Navantia UK under the Fleet Solid Support Ship programme.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	22462
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2024 answer text <p>I am withholding the information as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.</p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 23/04/2024 12:29:44 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1702261

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Afghanistan: Refugees
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) principals and (b) dependents are being housed in military accommodation under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy as of 18 April 2024.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	22467
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>As of 22 April 2024, our records show around 4,602 Afghans (principal applicants and family members) eligible for the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy scheme (ARAP) are being housed in military accommodation.</p><p> </p><p>This includes 2,452 Afghans in settled Service Family Accommodation, and 2,150 Afghans in temporary Reception Sites and transitional Service Family Accommodation prior to onwards movement into settled accommodation.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 26/04/2024 10:09:32 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1702264

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Afghanistan: Refugees
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Afghan people are (a) in the UK and (b) awaiting an initial decision on their eligibility under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy scheme as of 18 April 2024.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	22469
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>As of 23 April 2024, we have relocated over 16,300 Afghans to the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP).</p><p> </p><p>For statistics on the number of ARAP applicants awaiting a decision, I refer the right hon. Member to my answer to Question 22470.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 26/04/2024 10:10:11 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1702268

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Afghanistan: Refugees
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2024 to Question 15728 on Afghanistan: Refugees, how many applicants are awaiting an eligibility decision as of 18 April 2024.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	22470
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>As of 23 April 2024, 2,352 applicants are awaiting an initial eligibility decision under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme.</p><p> </p><p>Of these, 632 are applications raised in the last 3 months and 1,720 applications are complex cases awaiting an eligibility decision. The ARAP scheme remains open, and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has received over 96,000 principal applications in total.</p><p> </p><p>Defence is working hard to consider all remaining applications, conducting checks and seeking additional information to ensure a decision can be made.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 26/04/2024 10:10:31 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1702269

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Afghanistan: Refugees
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many appeals of an initial eligibility decision under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy have been made; and how many and what proportion of these appeals were successful.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	22471
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>Published policy for the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) indicates that every principal applicant to the scheme is entitled to request a review within 90 days of receipt of an initial eligibility decision. Applicants should seek a review if new or further information which supports their ARAP application has become available since the initial eligibility decision.</p><p> </p><p>As of 19 April 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has received over 96,000 unique ARAP applications and a total of 6,268 requests for a review of an initial eligibility decision. 21 initial decisions have been overturned.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 26/04/2024 11:01:41 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1702270

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Russia: Ukraine
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made an assessment of the number of personnel serving in the Russian armed forces in Ukraine who have (a) been killed in action, (b) been wounded and (c) deserted their posts since February 2022.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	22472
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>We estimate that approximately 450,000 Russian military personnel have been killed or wounded, and tens of thousands more have already deserted since the start of the conflict. The number of personnel killed serving in Russian private military companies (PMCs) is not clear.</p><p> </p><p>We also estimate that over 10,000 Russian armoured vehicles, including nearly 3,000 main battle tanks, 109 fixed wing aircraft, 136 helicopters, 346 unmanned aerial vehicles, 23 naval vessels of all classes, and over 1,500 artillery systems of all types have been destroyed, abandoned, or captured by Ukraine since the start of the conflict.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty grouped question UIN 22473 22474 question first answered 26/04/2024 10:11:17 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1702271

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Russia: Ukraine
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of mercenaries serving in Russian private military companies who have (a) been killed in action, (b) been wounded and (c) deserted their post since February 2022.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	22473
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>We estimate that approximately 450,000 Russian military personnel have been killed or wounded, and tens of thousands more have already deserted since the start of the conflict. The number of personnel killed serving in Russian private military companies (PMCs) is not clear.</p><p> </p><p>We also estimate that over 10,000 Russian armoured vehicles, including nearly 3,000 main battle tanks, 109 fixed wing aircraft, 136 helicopters, 346 unmanned aerial vehicles, 23 naval vessels of all classes, and over 1,500 artillery systems of all types have been destroyed, abandoned, or captured by Ukraine since the start of the conflict.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty grouped question UIN 22472 22474 question first answered 26/04/2024 10:11:17 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1702272

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Russia: Ukraine
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made an estimate of the number of Russian (a) main battle tanks, (b) armoured fighting vehicles, (c) fixed-wing aircrafts, (d) helicopters, (e) unmanned aerial vehicles, (f) ships, (g) artillery systems, (h) multiple-launch rocket systems and (i) other capabilities destroyed in Ukraine since 24 February 2022.
	tabling member constituency	Wentworth and Dearne
	tabling member printed	John Healey
	uin	22474
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>We estimate that approximately 450,000 Russian military personnel have been killed or wounded, and tens of thousands more have already deserted since the start of the conflict. The number of personnel killed serving in Russian private military companies (PMCs) is not clear.</p><p> </p><p>We also estimate that over 10,000 Russian armoured vehicles, including nearly 3,000 main battle tanks, 109 fixed wing aircraft, 136 helicopters, 346 unmanned aerial vehicles, 23 naval vessels of all classes, and over 1,500 artillery systems of all types have been destroyed, abandoned, or captured by Ukraine since the start of the conflict.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty grouped question UIN 22472 22473 question first answered 26/04/2024 10:11:17 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	400 label Biography information for John Healey

1702292

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Bereavement Counselling
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which Minister (a) attends and (b) receives minutes from meetings of the Defence Bereaved Families Group.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22652
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/04/2024 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) as a caring employer has a comprehensive range of policies and resources in place to support families during the most difficult of times.</p><p> </p><p>With regards to accommodation, Joint Service Publication 464: Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, makes provision for bereaved families to remain in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) for up to two years following the death of a Service person. It is normal to issue a 93 Day Notice to Vacate when two years is reached but retention of SFA may be extended beyond the two-year period on a discretionary case by case basis.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack bereavement guide for families of service personnel who die in service is provided by the MOD. A routine review of the pack is underway, with a view to publication in summer 2024. The Purple Pack is supplemented and supported by documentation provided by each of the Services, for example, the Army Families Guide.</p><p> </p><p>The Purple Pack is provided for immediate adult family members. Information is provided for adults to support and manage bereaved children, including signposting to relevant charities and organisations.</p><p> </p><p>The Defence Bereaved Families Group meets twice a year in Spring and Autumn. In the past five years it has met ten times. The next meeting will be in September 2024, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. The Minister for Defence People and Families does not routinely attend the meeting, but he attended in September 2023 and regularly receives briefings from the Chair and co-Chair.</p><p> </p><p>Visiting Officers (VO) are an integral part of the support provided by Defence to bereaved families. VO are provided by each Service and undertake training relevant to their role. The Royal Navy (RN) has 60 personnel trained as VO, the Army has 1,390 and the Royal Air Force (RAF) has 1,103.</p><p> </p><p>Each Service runs training courses that meet their specific requirements, for personnel designated as a VO. For example, all RN VO are either Specialist Welfare Worker trained, having completed the Defence Specialist Welfare Worker Course (a Level Five Social Care training course specifically for the care of service personnel and their families), or Civil Service Social Workers registered with Social Work England (or equivalent devolved UK registration). In addition, all must attend and pass the RN Family &amp; People Support VO training every three years.</p><p> </p><p>For the Army, formal, in person training is provided for those conducting both Casualty Notification Officer and VO duties. The training competency is extant for four years; if not appointed within that time frame a one-day refresher course can be conducted to enable another four years competency. The Army’s recommended minimum provision of VO is set at ten for Regular major units, three for Regular minor units, and two for Reserve units.</p><p> </p><p>The RAF VO competency is awarded after completion of a workshop and remains current for four years after which volunteers must attend another briefing day to renew it. Units are expected to aim for 2-5% of their trained strength to have the VO competency.</p><p> </p><p>There is no fixed period of time during which a VO will provide support to a bereaved family. This is dependent upon circumstances but normally would not extend beyond an Inquest or Service Inquiry. Appropriate transition plans will be put in place including arrangements for ongoing support to be provided through a point of contact from either the relevant single Service aftercare cell or unit HR staff.</p><p> </p><p>Via DBS’s Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), Defence also provides support to the bereaved via its national network of welfare managers (WM). A WM is assigned to families who experience a death in service and usually attends the initial visit alongside the VO. Support from VWS then endures for as long as is required and focuses on access to financial, welfare and wellbeing support as required, including issues in relation to the Armed Forces Pension. WMs who support clients in such circumstances are specifically trained and supervised as part of a VWS experts’ group. VWS is part of the Defence Bereaved Families Group.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 22642 22643 22644 22646 22647 22648 22649 22651 question first answered 26/04/2024 10:13:35 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1702300

	registered interest
	date	18/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Members: Correspondence
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will update the letter deposited in the Library of the House on 27 December 2023, reference DEP2024-0002, with the latest figures available.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
	tabling member printed	Luke Pollard
	uin	22655
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2024 answer text <p>Data provided in response to Questions is not updated when new data becomes available.</p><p>If the data was later found to be incorrect, then a correction would be issued. However this is not the case with the Question referred to by the hon. Member.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 23/04/2024 16:54:19 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4682 label Biography information for Luke Pollard

1701736

	registered interest
	date	17/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Air Force: Vacancies
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of vacant posts have been withdrawn from Air Command since the introduction of internal restrictions in July 2023.
	tabling member constituency	Garston and Halewood
	tabling member printed	Maria Eagle
	uin	22236
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/04/2024 answer text <p>In response to the Government's policy announcement to implement a cap on Civil Service headcount, the Department is currently reviewing its future Civil Service workforce requirement aligned to this direction. Vacancies are being reviewed as part of workforce planning and prioritisation activity. Until this work is completed it is not possible to provide specific numbers of posts vacant/not being actively recruited.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 21886 21887 21888 21889 21896 21897 21898 21900 21902 21903 21904 22237 22238 22239 22240 22241 22243 22244 22255 question first answered 22/04/2024 15:17:35 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	483 label Biography information for Maria Eagle

1701737

	registered interest
	date	17/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Air Force: Vacancies
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many posts in Air Command are (a) vacant and (b) not being actively recruited for.
	tabling member constituency	Garston and Halewood
	tabling member printed	Maria Eagle
	uin	22237
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/04/2024 answer text <p>In response to the Government's policy announcement to implement a cap on Civil Service headcount, the Department is currently reviewing its future Civil Service workforce requirement aligned to this direction. Vacancies are being reviewed as part of workforce planning and prioritisation activity. Until this work is completed it is not possible to provide specific numbers of posts vacant/not being actively recruited.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 21886 21887 21888 21889 21896 21897 21898 21900 21902 21903 21904 22236 22238 22239 22240 22241 22243 22244 22255 question first answered 22/04/2024 15:17:35 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	483 label Biography information for Maria Eagle

1701738

	registered interest
	date	17/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Strategic Command: Vacancies
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many vacant posts in Strategic Command are being actively recruited for.
	tabling member constituency	Garston and Halewood
	tabling member printed	Maria Eagle
	uin	22238
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/04/2024 answer text <p>In response to the Government's policy announcement to implement a cap on Civil Service headcount, the Department is currently reviewing its future Civil Service workforce requirement aligned to this direction. Vacancies are being reviewed as part of workforce planning and prioritisation activity. Until this work is completed it is not possible to provide specific numbers of posts vacant/not being actively recruited.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 21886 21887 21888 21889 21896 21897 21898 21900 21902 21903 21904 22236 22237 22239 22240 22241 22243 22244 22255 question first answered 22/04/2024 15:17:35 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	483 label Biography information for Maria Eagle

1701739

	registered interest
	date	17/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Defence Nuclear Organisation: Vacancies
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many vacant posts in the Defence Nuclear Organisation have been withdrawn since the introduction of internal restrictions in July 2023.
	tabling member constituency	Garston and Halewood
	tabling member printed	Maria Eagle
	uin	22239
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/04/2024 answer text <p>In response to the Government's policy announcement to implement a cap on Civil Service headcount, the Department is currently reviewing its future Civil Service workforce requirement aligned to this direction. Vacancies are being reviewed as part of workforce planning and prioritisation activity. Until this work is completed it is not possible to provide specific numbers of posts vacant/not being actively recruited.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 21886 21887 21888 21889 21896 21897 21898 21900 21902 21903 21904 22236 22237 22238 22240 22241 22243 22244 22255 question first answered 22/04/2024 15:17:34 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	483 label Biography information for Maria Eagle

1701740

	registered interest
	date	17/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Defence Infrastructure Organisation: Vacancies
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many posts in the Defence Infrastructure Organisation are (a) vacant and (b) not being actively recruited for.
	tabling member constituency	Garston and Halewood
	tabling member printed	Maria Eagle
	uin	22240
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/04/2024 answer text <p>In response to the Government's policy announcement to implement a cap on Civil Service headcount, the Department is currently reviewing its future Civil Service workforce requirement aligned to this direction. Vacancies are being reviewed as part of workforce planning and prioritisation activity. Until this work is completed it is not possible to provide specific numbers of posts vacant/not being actively recruited.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 21886 21887 21888 21889 21896 21897 21898 21900 21902 21903 21904 22236 22237 22238 22239 22241 22243 22244 22255 question first answered 22/04/2024 15:17:35 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	483 label Biography information for Maria Eagle

1701741

	registered interest
	date	17/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Defence Infrastructure Organisation: Vacancies
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many vacant posts in the Defence Infrastructure Organisation are being actively recruited for.
	tabling member constituency	Garston and Halewood
	tabling member printed	Maria Eagle
	uin	22241
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/04/2024 answer text <p>In response to the Government's policy announcement to implement a cap on Civil Service headcount, the Department is currently reviewing its future Civil Service workforce requirement aligned to this direction. Vacancies are being reviewed as part of workforce planning and prioritisation activity. Until this work is completed it is not possible to provide specific numbers of posts vacant/not being actively recruited.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 21886 21887 21888 21889 21896 21897 21898 21900 21902 21903 21904 22236 22237 22238 22239 22240 22243 22244 22255 question first answered 22/04/2024 15:17:35 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	483 label Biography information for Maria Eagle

1701742

	registered interest
	date	17/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Ministry of Defence: Trade Promotion
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) domestic and (b) overseas trade shows have Ministers in his Department attended in each year since 2019.
	tabling member constituency	Garston and Halewood
	tabling member printed	Maria Eagle
	uin	22242
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2024 answer text <p>Information on domestic trade shows is not held centrally and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost, whilst information on any attendance of overseas trade shows would have been published online within the Transparency Returns.</p> answering member constituency South Suffolk answering member printed James Cartlidge question first answered 23/04/2024 13:47:40 answering member 4519 label Biography information for James Cartlidge
	tabling member	483 label Biography information for Maria Eagle

1701743

	registered interest
	date	17/04/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Navy: Vacancies
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many posts in Navy Command are (a) vacant and (b) not being actively recruited for.
	tabling member constituency	Garston and Halewood
	tabling member printed	Maria Eagle
	uin	22243
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/04/2024 answer text <p>In response to the Government's policy announcement to implement a cap on Civil Service headcount, the Department is currently reviewing its future Civil Service workforce requirement aligned to this direction. Vacancies are being reviewed as part of workforce planning and prioritisation activity. Until this work is completed it is not possible to provide specific numbers of posts vacant/not being actively recruited.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 21886 21887 21888 21889 21896 21897 21898 21900 21902 21903 21904 22236 22237 22238 22239 22240 22241 22244 22255 question first answered 22/04/2024 15:17:36 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	483 label Biography information for Maria Eagle