HC Deb 20 April 1993 vol 223 cc175-6
11. Mr. Oppenheim

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on defence expenditure levels.

Mr. Rifkind

I have received several representations on defence expenditure levels from hon. Members and members of the public. I am keen that, in this important area, we should be able to inform the public debate better than we have done in the past. I therefore commissioned some months ago, in the context of our annual long-term costing exercise, a detailed analysis of how and what resources are taken up in meeting our various commitments around the world. A great deal of work has already been done on this. I expect to report the results in the statement on the defence estimates 1993.

Mr. Oppenheim

What logic is there in consistently calling for massive defence cuts of 25 per cent.—equivalent to more than the Royal Air Force—as Labour conferences still do, supported by many of their Front-Bench Members of Parliament, and then complaining every time that the Government, as a result of their much smaller cuts, have to close a depot or merge a regiment? Most ludicrous of all, the Leader of the Opposition struts and postures as the tough guy, Bomber Smith, demanding action in Bosnia.

Madam Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must relate his question to the question on the Order Paper and not concern himself with Opposition policies. Does the Secretary of State wish to make a response?

Mr. Rifkind

rose—

Madam Speaker

I am sure that the Secretary of State's response will be perfectly in order.

Mr. Rifkind

Of course, Madam Speaker, that goes without saying. In the debate about defence expenditure levels, it is crucial that the Opposition follow the views of the Government and do not call for expenditure cuts, yet complain if difficult decisions have to be taken.

Mr. Mackinlay

When contemplating the expenditure of Her Majesty's armed forces and participating in the debate to which he has just referred, will the Secretary of State explain to the House why there has been a massive overspend in the construction, equipping and commissioning of HMS Fort Victoria? It is a scandalous case over which he has presided as Secretary of State for Defence. Why is there delay, why has there been an overspend, and whose heads will roll?

Mr. Rifkind

I assure the hon. Gentleman that in this project, as in any other, there will be the most rigorous analysis of the causes of the overspending to ensure that it does not recur.