Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, what assessment they have made of the report by the National Audit Office Investigation into submarine defueling and dismantling, published on 3 April, and of the impact of that report's findings on the UK defence sector.

The National Audit Office's investigation acknowledges the complex nature of activities to defuel and dismantle decommissioned nuclear powered submarines. It also recognises the Ministry of Defence has taken steps to start initial dismantling and has ensured the storage of all laid-up submarines is safe. The Department is working closely with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and key industrial partners to ensure its programmes are delivered safely, efficiently and effectively.