Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has for the replacement of MR2s in the protection of the UK's nuclear submarine fleet; [318833] (2) what the end of service date is of the MR2 aircraft; what plans there are for its replacement; when he expects the MRA4 aircraft to enter service; and if he will make a statement; [318836] (3) if he plans to lease search and rescue aircraft following the withdrawal from service of the MR2 aircraft. [318840]

Mr. Kevan Jones: The Nimrod MR2 will be taken out of service on 31 March 2010, and will be replaced by the substantially more capable Nimrod MRA4. The MRA4 production programme remains unchanged, but the aircraft will be introduced into service at a slower rate as part of a package of key adjustments to the Defence programme announced on 15 December last year. During the period of transition we intend to use other assets to fulfil its various roles. We do not currently have any plans to lease aircraft to fulfil the long range search and rescue tasks undertaken by the MR2.

I cannot comment on the levels of protection assigned to the Deterrent for reasons of national security.