HC Deb 30 January 1963 vol 670 cc926-7
28. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Minister of Defence what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the level of the defence budget and on some form of compulsory military service.

Mr. Thorneycroft

We have no intention of restoring compulsory military service, but, as was explained in the 1962 Defence White Paper, some increase in the defence budget must be expected.

Mr. Zilliacus

Would the right hon. Gentleman please reply about the level of the defence budget? He answered only the second part of my Question. If he cannot reply to it now, perhaps he would give us some information during the debate on the point of how far we are to share in the cost of developing the latest type of Polaris missile?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think I can touch on the latter point in the course of the debate.

Viscount Lambton

Did I understand my right hon. Friend to say that in no circumstances, even considering the withdrawal of France from N.A.T.O., is it our intention to reintroduce conscription in this country?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I did not say so. I said that we have no intention. I did not say that never would any British Government have conscription.