Written questions by Cartlidge.

Whether a programme similar to the Army Officer Internship scheme exists in the Royal Navy.

Neither the Royal Navy (RN) nor Royal Marines (RM) currently offer an Officer Internship scheme similar to the Army. However, the RN does offer several different schemes such as A-Level Scholarships, Accelerated Apprenticeship Schemes, Defence Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Undergraduate Schemes and Cadetship Entry. All of these give generous annual bursary payments and the opportunity to complete Naval Service training every year alongside their studies.

How many procurement orders have been submitted by his Department for approval by (a) HM Treasury and (b) Cabinet Office since 5th July 2024 for a value of (i) over £1 million, (ii) £500,000-1 million, (iii) under £500,000.

From 5 July 2024 to date, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has submitted 39 business cases to His Majesty's Treasury (HMT) and 68 to the Cabinet Office, all of which were for expenditure over £1 million. As regards approvals by HMT, it is important to note that only those business cases relating to programmes with whole life costs above MOD’s Delegated Authorisation Levels (DAL) require HMT approval. These levels are as follows: £1 billion CDEL or £800 million RDEL for Equipment or Service Provision programmes, £250 million (either DEL) for Information & Communications Technology programmes, and £100 million (either DEL) for Infrastructure programmes. All programmes within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise have a DAL of £1billion.Therefore, all business cases below these thresholds are approved internally within MOD.

How many people have applied for an (a) Gap Year Commission and (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015.

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, providing individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after university. The department does not hold data related to applications for the entire period requested. Applications for the Army Officer Internship Programme commencing from September 2022 onwards are as follows: YearApplications2022196202315620241022025120

What remuneration package comes with the Army Officer Internship programme.

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University. The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role. Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year. YearInternship completions2017-2018112018-2019142019-2020142020-2021162021-2022102022-2023102023-202411 There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme. Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

How many people have completed a (a) Gap Year Commission and (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015.

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University. The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role. Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year. YearInternship completions2017-2018112018-2019142019-2020142020-2021162021-2022102022-2023102023-202411 There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme. Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

What the maximum capacity is of the Army Officer Internship programme.

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University. The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role. Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year. YearInternship completions2017-2018112018-2019142019-2020142020-2021162021-2022102022-2023102023-202411 There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme. Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

How many people have subsequently joined the Regular Army after completing the (a) Gap Year Commission and (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015.

This information is not readily available. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as practical and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

How many service personnel are enrolled on the Army Officer Internship programme.

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University. The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role. Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year. YearInternship completions2017-2018112018-2019142019-2020142020-2021162021-2022102022-2023102023-202411 There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme. Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

With reference to the Spring Statement on 26 March 2025, how the £2.2bn for financial year 2025-26 will be spent by his Department.

The £2.2 billion will support the Government in building a modern and resilient Armed Forces, including by enhancing the UK’s programme of joint exercises with NATO allies, allowing investment in advanced technology such as Directed Energy Weapons, and refurbishing the defence estate to provide our military families with the homes they deserve. We will also establish the UK Defence Innovation, to help secure competitive advantage whilst driving wider growth.

Whether the Army still offers a Gap Year Commission.

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University. The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role. Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year. YearInternship completions2017-2018112018-2019142019-2020142020-2021162021-2022102022-2023102023-202411 There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme. Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

Whether the Army Officer Internship has replaced the Gap Year Commission.

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University. The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role. Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year. YearInternship completions2017-2018112018-2019142019-2020142020-2021162021-2022102022-2023102023-202411 There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme. Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

How many people have subsequently joined the Army Reserve after completing the (a) Gap Year Commission or (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015.

This information is not readily available. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as practical and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Whether a programme similar to the Army Officer Internship scheme exists in the Royal Marines.

Neither the Royal Navy (RN) nor Royal Marines (RM) currently offer an Officer Internship scheme similar to the Army. However, the RN does offer several different schemes such as A-Level Scholarships, Accelerated Apprenticeship Schemes, Defence Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Undergraduate Schemes and Cadetship Entry. All of these give generous annual bursary payments and the opportunity to complete Naval Service training every year alongside their studies.

With reference to the oral Answer to the hon. Member for Dumfries and Galloway of 24 March 2025, Official Report, Column 632, if he will list all the candidates he has met with regarding a Jet Trainer replacement from the (a) United Kingdom, (b) United States and (c) any other nation since 5 July 2024.

Ministers and officials from the Ministry of Defence regularly meet for routine discussions with a range of defence sector aerospace companies, including those who produce jet trainer aircraft. The UK’s Hawk T1 aircraft is scheduled to remain in service until 2030 and the Hawk T2 aircraft out-of-service date is in 2040. A decision on the production, sustainment and replacement of the aircraft will not be taken until after the Strategic Defence Review is completed.

With reference to the oral Answer to the hon. Member for Dumfries and Galloway of 24 March 2025, Official Report, Column 632, if he will list all British candidates he has met with regarding a Jet Trainer replacement since 5th July 2024.

Ministers and officials from the Ministry of Defence regularly meet for routine discussions with a range of defence sector aerospace companies, including those who produce jet trainer aircraft. The UK’s Hawk T1 aircraft is scheduled to remain in service until 2030 and the Hawk T2 aircraft out-of-service date is in 2040. A decision on the production, sustainment and replacement of the aircraft will not be taken until after the Strategic Defence Review is completed.

Whether he plans to expedite the publication of the Strategic Defence Review in the context of proposals to send a British peacekeeping force to Ukraine.

As the Prime Minister reported in his Statement on Defence and Security in the House of Commons, the Strategic Defence Review is advanced, and he will lay it in Parliament as soon as he can. The Report, which will be published in the Spring, will help set the path for Britain’s defence for the next decade.

How many Substitute Service Single Accommodation properties are in use.

As at 25 March 2025, 4,551 Service personnel live in Substitute Service Single Accommodation (SSSA). This figure is based on Regular and Reserve Personnel. 2,792 properties are used as SSSA to house Service personnel.

What the annual cost to the public purse is of substitute service single accommodation broken down by region.

The information is not held in the format requested. The total number of Substitute Service Single Accommodation is not held by region.

What steps he is taking to avoid potential late diagnosis of ADHD for patients in South Suffolk.

It is the responsibility of the integrated care boards (ICBs) in England to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including assessments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.NHS England has established an ADHD taskforce which is working to bring together those with lived experience with experts from the National Health Service, education, charity, and justice sectors. The taskforce is working to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, including timely and equitable access to services and support, with the final report expected in the summer of 2025.In conjunction with the taskforce, NHS England has carried out detailed work to develop an ADHD data improvement plan to inform future service planning. NHS England has also captured examples from ICBs who are trialling innovative ways of delivering ADHD services, and is using this information to support systems to tackle ADHD waiting lists and provide support to address people’s needs.

How many service personnel live in Substitute Service Single Accommodation as of 25 March 2025.

As at 25 March 2025, 4,551 Service personnel live in Substitute Service Single Accommodation (SSSA). This figure is based on Regular and Reserve Personnel. 2,792 properties are used as SSSA to house Service personnel.