§ 43. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether there is to be any reduction or postponement of expenditure on overseas accommodation or building sponsored by his Department as a result of the measures connected with devaluation.
§ Mr. MellishThere will be some reduction in works expenditure for the Services overseas but details have not yet been settled. With regard to expenditure at embassies and consulates, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Clark Hutchison) on 22nd November.—[Vol. 754, c. 390.]
§ Mr. CampbellCan the Minister say when we will know the main particulars of these reductions? Later today the House is to consider the proposed defence cuts; are some of these reductions to be included in the statement today?
§ Mr. MellishWe are, of course, having discussions with the Ministry of Defence and as soon as I am in a position to make a statement, I shall do so. Cuts in certain overseas expenditure have already been announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. For example, Aldabra is not to be proceeded with and that is the sort of thing in which my Ministry would have been very much involved.