HC Deb 10 November 1952 vol 507 cc573-4
15. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Supply why his Department increased its expenditure on research and development from £82,248,000 in 1951–52 to £100,500,000 in 1952–53.

Mr. Sandys

Apart from one or two items, such as the rise in wage rates, this increase in expenditure reflects the increased effort which is going into the development of new weapons and equipment.

Sir H. Williams

Having regard to the fact that Faraday discovered the whole principle on which the electrical industry is based at a cost of about £100, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that there is not a great deal of waste by these researches?

Mr. Sandys

Prices have gone up since then.

Mr. Stokes

Can the Minister say what proportion of the increase is on account of new weapons and how much is on account of new equipment? In other words, how much is for peace and how much for war?

Mr. Sandys

It is for defence.

Mr. Stokes

Will the Minister answer the second part of my question? I accept that some of it is for defence, but how much of it is for peace?

Mr. Sandys

It is all for peace.