Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made on the Power Improvement Project for the Type 45 Destroyers; and if he will make a statement.

HMS DAUNTLESS is undergoing tests and harbour trials at Cammell Laird before embarking on sea trials.

HMS DARING has now commenced the Power Improvement Project (PIP) conversion in Cammell Laird.

In addition, HMS DRAGON has commenced her maintenance programme this month which will now include PIP, to be undertaken concurrently with her planned upkeep package and in parallel to HMS DARING. This will ensure that the PIP conversion programme is advanced as quickly as possible.