HC Deb 01 May 1969 vol 782 c1606
33. Sir D. Renton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will state the total amount of expenditure on civil defence during the financial year 1968–69; and how this compares with the expenditure estimated.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Firm figures will not be available until the autumn. The revised estimate of net expenditure on civil defence for Great Britain during 1968–69 is about £10 million. The original estimate was about £12.3 million.

Sir D. Renton

But is it not a fact that there is now extremely little to show in terms of planning to defend this country against war emergencies? Will the hon. Gentleman ensure that such money as is spent is much better spent than seems to be the case at present?

Mr. Rees

If the hon. Member can give me an actual example of where he thinks that money is being misspent, I will certainly look at it.