HC Deb 22 July 1954 vol 530 cc142-3W
85. Mr. Beswick

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the decision to purchase $72 million worth of surplus United States commodities such as prunes, tobacco, lard, cottonseed oil, beef and canned fruit with sterling made available under the Mutual Security Act, commits Her Majesty's Government to spend a similar amount on military armaments; and whether such military expenditure is required to be in addition to United Kingdom defence expenditure which would otherwise be incurred.

Mr. Maudling

The sterling proceeds of the sale of these commodities will be appropriated in aid of Defence Votes to the extent of the sterling equivalent of $60 million: this use of the sterling proceeds will not involve defence expenditure additional to that which would otherwise have been incurred.