Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the reduction in SSN submarines from seven to six will have on the Navy's capabilities.

The UK's attack submarines are meeting all of their operational tasking, deploying globally on operations and protecting our national interests. They will continue to do so through the planned transition between the current Trafalgar Class and new Astute Class submarines.

I am withholding further information on submarine operations as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.