To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there are any issues with the noise levels emitted underwater by the Navy's Type 45 destroyers; and how far away underwater the Type 45 can be heard by a submarine.

The Type 45 destroyers were designed and built primarily as highly capable air defence destroyers but are configured and equipped for a range of operations, including as part of a maritime task group, where they would operate alongside anti-submarine warfare frigates.

The level of underwater radiated noise of the Type 45 destroyers is in accordance with the design of the ships.

I am withholding further information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.