HC Deb 19 February 1953 vol 511 c1436
33. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the increased expenditure on the defence Services, if he will state the estimated expenditure per head of population per week on the Army, Navy and Air Force, respectively.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The estimated net expenditure in 1952–53 amounts per head of the population per week to 2s. 9d. for the Navy, 4s. 3d. for the Army and 3s. 6d. for the Royal Air Force. These figures exclude that part of the expenditure of the Ministry of Supply and the Ministry of Defence which cannot be allocated to any one of the Service Departments.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister ever circularise these Departments with his economy circulars, and as we are cutting expenditure on adult education and school meals, could he not urge them to make some economies?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

We always have considerations of economy very much in mind, particularly at the Treasury.