Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the planned timescale is for orders to be placed for safety equipment including harnesses to enable the Texans to operate over the sea.

As I set out in my letter to the hon. Member of 7 December 2020, to follow up on your question to my Right hon. Friend the Leader of the House on this topic, this remains a priority for the Texan fleet. However, as it is based on three different system elements being individually evaluated and certified, it is not possible for me to give you a definitive timescale at this time. I intend to write to the hon. Member and other local MPs next month advising on the different elements of the project and potential timing and will place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.