Mr. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the reason for the 61 per cent. rise in the annual out-turn of defence expenditure from 1951 to 1963–64 at current prices, in view of the fact that there was a 25 per cent. reduction over the same period at constant prices; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe reduction at constant prices was 5 per cent., not 25 per cent., and the increase in cash terms (current prices) was due to changes in the value of money.