§ 12. Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Defence what estimated percentage of the defence budget will be spent in Northern Ireland; and 13 how this compares with the last three years.
§ Mr. HealeyIt is estimated that, in 1965–66, about 1½ per cent, of the defence budget will be spent in Northern Ireland, compared with 1¼ per cent, in 1964–65; 1¾ per cent, in 1963–64 and 1¼ per cent. in 1962–63.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is one field in which the Government can do something direct to help the economic situation there? Will he as far as possible resist any temptation to remove defence locations from Northern Ireland, and bear in mind that any apparent retreat by the Services may have a damaging effect on recruitment?
§ Mr. HealeyYes, Sir; we will certainly bear it in mind. I think that the hon. Gentleman will agree that there must be some occasions when it is not possible, if we are to meet the very specialised requirements of the Services, to place contracts in areas of high unemployment.