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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-11-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to (a) merge and (b) disband military units in implementing Joint Force 2025.

Penny Mordaunt

There are no plans to merge or disband military units in implementing Joint Force 2025. We are committed to maintaining the size of the regular Armed Forces, not reducing the Army below 82,000, and increasing the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force by a total of 700 personnel.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-11-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of how many serving members of each branch of the armed forces are likely to be affected by the phasing out of the commitment bonus for armed forces personnel.

Mark Lancaster

Commitment Bonuses are being phased out over the next five years as there is insufficient evidence they significantly influence retention in the Armed Forces.

In Financial Year 2014-15 approximately 14,000 Service personnel claimed a Commitment Bonus payment. Eligibility for Commitment Bonuses ceases with effect from 1April 2021, providing eligible Other Ranks with the opportunity to claim any payments they might have already included in their financial plans.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-11-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many training places he plans to make available for the UK’s international partners in his Department’s military training facilities in each year from 2016 to 2020.

Mr Julian Brazier

The number of International Defence Training places provided to partners at UK training establishments over the last five Financial Years (FY) is as follows:

2010-11 – 3,418

2011-12 – 3,087

2012-13 – 3,048

2013-14 – 2,674

2014-15 – 3,078

We provide International Defence Training places on a wide variety of military training courses. The allocation and take-up of places is a flexible process, driven partly by demand, and managed through arrangements particular to each course. Allocations are generally not programmed more than a year in advance. We cannot quantify in advance the total number of training places which will be offered in each year but intend to increase the training we offer to international partners. We have identified additional places on a number of specific courses including, for example, at the Defence Academy and the Royal College of Defence Studies.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-11-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what cost savings his Department plans to make from phasing out the commitment bonus for members of the armed forces.

Mark Lancaster

The estimated saving from phasing out the commitment bonus for members of the Armed Forces is £118 million over the remainder of this Parliament and some £50 million a year thereafter.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-11-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 33 of the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015, what estimate he has made of how many serving members in each branch of the armed forces are likely to be affected by the new pay model for members of the armed forces.

Penny Mordaunt

We will provide further updates on Armed Forces Pay Reform in 2016.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-11-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many training places have been made available for the UK’s international partners in his Department’s military training facilities in each year since 2010.

Mr Julian Brazier

The number of International Defence Training places provided to partners at UK training establishments over the last five Financial Years (FY) is as follows:

2010-11 – 3,418

2011-12 – 3,087

2012-13 – 3,048

2013-14 – 2,674

2014-15 – 3,078

We provide International Defence Training places on a wide variety of military training courses. The allocation and take-up of places is a flexible process, driven partly by demand, and managed through arrangements particular to each course. Allocations are generally not programmed more than a year in advance. We cannot quantify in advance the total number of training places which will be offered in each year but intend to increase the training we offer to international partners. We have identified additional places on a number of specific courses including, for example, at the Defence Academy and the Royal College of Defence Studies.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-11-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 33 of the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015, if he will set out the elements of the new pay model for members of the armed forces.

Penny Mordaunt

We will provide further updates on Armed Forces Pay Reform in 2016.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-11-26.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what cyber capabilities he plans to be based at the National Cyber Centre.

Matthew Hancock

As announced in the Chancellor’s speech of 17 November, a National Cyber Centre will be launched in 2016. The new National Cyber Security programme will determine which cyber capabilities will be incorporated in the National Cyber Centre.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-11-26.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the cost of establishing a National Cyber Security Centre.

Matthew Hancock

As announced in the Chancellor’s speech of 17 November, a National Cyber Centre will be launched in 2016. Work is underway to determine the exact costs, as part of the £1.9bn budget for cyber security announce in the Spending Review.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-11-26.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his plans are for the 2015-2020 National Cyber Security Programme; and if he will make a statement.

Matthew Hancock

A new 5 year National Cyber Security Programme will commence in April 2016. Details of the programme will be published next year.