§ 24. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Minister of State for Defence what requests have been made by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for increased defence expenditure by Great Britain; and what reply he has given.
§ Lord BalnielNone. But I am glad to say that the United Kingdom has played a leading rôle in constructing the European Defence Improvement Programme which is a significant affirmation of European support for N.A.T.O.
§ Mrs. ShortWould the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that at a time when the Government are cutting the social services, the National Health Service, and housing, and when even children are being asked to make a sacrifice, any increase in expenditure on defence would be absolutely unacceptable to this side of the House and to the country as a whole? Will he further bear in mind that under no circumstances are we prepared to accede to requests of this kind if they are made in an attempt to buy our way into the Common Market?
§ Lord BalnielThe contribution which this country makes to the defence of Europe and N.A.T.O. as a whole has nothing to do with buying our way into the Common Market. It is just that we think that it is right that we should be prepared to make a sacrifice for the defence of freedom and the Western world.