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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angus Robertson on 2014-06-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the deviations or exemptions from the Military Air Systems Certification Process that allowed the inaugural flight of the Rivet Joint aircraft on May 27 2014 were the final form that will be used for all operations.

Mr Philip Dunne

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 June 2014, (Official Report, column 364W), to the hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor View (Alison Seabeck).

Ongoing work will progressively refine this release as additional information becomes available and further analysis is conducted.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angus Robertson on 2014-06-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what event or risk of event led to the approval of the Collision Warning Technology Demonstrator Programme for fast jet aircraft; when that event was identified; and where that event is recorded.

Mr Philip Dunne

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 23 June 2014, (Official Report, column 98W).

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angus Robertson on 2014-06-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of whether arrangements for defence nuclear co-operations which were agreed at the UK-France summit in January 2014 summit comply with the (a) Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty, (b) Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and (c) other aspects of international law; and if he will place in the Library a copy of any such assessments.

Mr Philip Dunne

Arrangements agreed at the UK-France Summit in January 2014 are entirely consistent with all of our obligations under international law including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. I am withholding release of any assessments under the principle of legal professional privilege.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angus Robertson on 2014-06-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the value of purchasing AM-aluminium matting for landing pads for the JSF 35B.

Mr Philip Dunne

High Temperature Resistant Concrete was considered as the most appropriate surface for the UK Joint Strike Fighter landing pads. AM-aluminium matting was considered but does not have the same durability for repeated use and would also result in a higher maintenance burden.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angus Robertson on 2014-06-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the total cost was of the Nimrod MR4A programme; and what payments were made to each company involved in the programme after 20 October 2012.

Mr Philip Dunne

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my predecessor (Peter Luff) on 15 November 2011 (Official Report, column 743W).

The Nimrod MR4A aircraft programme was cancelled in November 2010, after only one aircraft was delivered which was subsequently grounded due to safety concerns.

Available financial information has not identified payments relating to the programme to any company after 20 October 2012.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angus Robertson on 2014-06-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the completion date is for refurbishment of existing hydrodynamics research facilities at the Atomic Weapons Establishment Aldermaston; what the cost is of the refurbishment; and what the expected lifetime is of the new facilities.

Mr Philip Dunne

The refurbishment of the existing hydrodynamics research facilities at the Atomic Weapons Establishment Aldermaston is planned to be completed by summer 2016.

The forecast cost of the refurbishment is £25.5 million.

The refurbished facilities will have a range of expected lifetimes, estimated at between 10 and 15 years.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angus Robertson on 2014-06-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which personnel aboard Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers will need to wear active noise cancellation headsets; how many such headsets will be required; and what the cost of such headsets will be.

Mr Philip Dunne

The requirement for Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headsets for personnel associated with operating F-35B onboard Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers will be tailored to individuals’ noise exposure. As with all flight operatives on Aircraft Carriers,this will apply to personnel on the flight deck and not on other areas of the ship. The noise exposure will be dependent upon the operational employment of personnel, which will be defined through the ongoing development of operating procedures. The design specification of the headsets will be commensurate with the noise exposure, and in cognisance of The Control of Noise at Work Regulations, 2005. The preferred product is due to be ordered prior to the QEC entering service.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angus Robertson on 2014-06-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will place in the Library copies of agreements with the French government to (a) undertake joint research at the Atomic Weapons Establishment Orion and Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique Laser Megajoule, (b) allow use of hydrodynamics research facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment and (c) peer review technical and scientific data underpinning nuclear warhead certification.

Mr Philip Dunne

The agreements with the French Government to undertake joint research described are detailed in Article 1 of the TEUTATES Treaty 2010. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/228571/7975.pdf

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angus Robertson on 2014-06-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what risk assessment he has made of the safety of aircraft handlers and maintenance personnel due to the noise produced by the Joint Strike Fighter.

Mr Philip Dunne

Full assessment has been made regarding the noise levels of the Joint Strike Fighter. Personnel noise exposure risk is managed in accordance with The Control of Noise at Work Regulations, 2005 and will include a combination of personal protective equipment and procedures to control daily noise exposure, normal practice for personnel operating machinery such as helicopters, tanks and other aircraft.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angus Robertson on 2014-06-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will place in the Library a copy of the final investment approval for Project Teutates.

Mr Philip Dunne

I am unable to place a copy of the business case that sought investment approval for project Teutates in the library as the document contains classified information.