Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many military personnel are trained to drive (a) buses, (b) trains and (c) coaches.

Defence has over 4,000 military personnel that have had some training in driving coaches and/or buses although driving is not necessarily their primary role. Of which, approximately 250 military personnel have been trained in driving coaches/buses in the last 12 months. Defence has no military personnel trained to drive a train.

Military operations in the UK are placed under the overarching title of Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA), which is only in support of, and at the request of, the lead Government Department. Defence continues to work closely with the Department for Transport (and other Government Departments) to determine areas where military support within the UK is necessary, achievable, and permitted.