Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what translation arrangements his Department has put in place to enable efficient and accurate handling of Welsh language correspondence from (a) MPs and (b) the general public.

The Ministry of Defence's (MOD) commitment to dealing with written Welsh language correspondence is set out in its Welsh Language Scheme - paragraphs 4.1 to 4.8 inclusive. People are welcome to correspond with the MOD in English or in Welsh. Correspondence received in Welsh will receive a written reply in Welsh (where one is required) within twenty working days of receipt.

The MOD Welsh Language Scheme is available on the gov.uk website at:www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence/ about/Welsh-language-scheme.

MOD translation work is carried out under an arrangement with HM Courts and Tribunals Service.