HC Deb 15 December 1953 vol 522 cc174-5
4. Sir R. Acland

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the approximate value of United States orders placed in Britain for tanks, war aeroplanes and other arms, during the last 12-month periods for which figures are available; and what is the estimated value of such orders for the current 12-month period.

Mr. R. A. Butler

In the year ending 30th June, 1953, the United States placed orders for British military equipment to the value of some $380 million. We do not know as yet the likely value of orders in the current U.S. fiscal year.

Sir R. Acland

Would it be possible to give an approximate estimate of the trend, whether it is tending to increase or fall off as compared with last year?

Mr. Butler

The trend, as far as I am aware, will not tend to decrease but rather the reverse.