65. Mr. VYVYAN ADAMSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the total expenditure to date upon armaments by this country since the signing of the Peace Treaty in 1919?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy hon. Friend is doubtless aware that the defence Estimates include provision for such objects as pensions for retired officers and men, civil aviation, etc. The defence expenditure proper for 1930–31 amounted, after the elimination of such non-military items, to approximately £92,000,000. For earlier years I would refer him to the published Appropriation Accounts of the relative Departments, but he will understand that for the reason which I have just given the figures must be proportionately adjusted.