To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 1.9, page 16 of the National Audit Office report, Delivering Carrier Strike, published on 16 March 2017, what plans his Department has to ensure that the number of Merlin helicopters is sufficient to provide for the needs of the carrier task group.

The precise number and mix of vessels and aircraft deployed as part of the future maritime task group would depend on the operational circumstances at the time. This task group will be able to draw from a range of modern and highly capable assets, including Merlin helicopters.