§ Sir E. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for War to what extent the estimated rise in the cost of Army food and ration allowances from £32,424,000 in 1951–52 to £41,610,000 in 1952–53 is due to a rise in prices; to what extent to an increase in the Army; and to what extent to an addition to the rations.
§ Mr. HeadOf the increase of some £9 million for these services, just under £3 million arises on supplies purchased for other Government Departments, etc., for which my Department is re-imbursed. Of the increase on the Army's account, some £1½ million is due to the increased Army strength and the remainder is due to a rise in prices and to larger numbers serving overseas where ration costs and allowances are higher than in this country.