HC Deb 23 November 1950 vol 481 cc509-10
64. Mr. A. Edward Davies

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what terms have been agreed with the United States Government on the proposed rearmament expenditure of £3,600 million over the next three years.

Mr. J. Edwards

I am unable, at present, to add to the statement which my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, made in the Defence debate on 13th September.

Mr. Davies

When does my hon. Friend expect to be in a position to give us a reply, so that we may know what are our commitments?

Mr. Edwards

I cannot say, but I ask my hon. Friend to appreciate that this rearmament programme involves difficult complicated matters, both technical and economic, and the discussion will, therefore, take time.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is not one of the conditions of help for our rearmament that we should support the proposal for rearming the Germans?

Mr. Edwards

That is an entirely different matter.