Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the current estimated IOC for HMS Achilles.

Achilles, the final vessel, is at an advanced stage of build at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness.

As a former Defence Minister, I hope the right Hon. Gentleman will recall that the planned in-service dates for Royal Navy submarines are withheld as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Armed Forces.