§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current provision for defence for the year 1982–83 in cash terms as a percentage of the defence budget for 1971–72.
§ Mr. BlakerIn cash terms the provision for defence for the year 1982–83 is 567 per cent. of the defence budget for 1971–72. This represents a real increase of 10.5 per cent.
§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total defence expenditure, including the current provision for 1982–83, from the year 1971–72, compared with the total of defence budgets; and how the percentage change in expenditure and budget from year to year has compared with changes in the retail prices index.
§ Mr. BlakerInformation in the form requested is shown in the following table. The notes make clear the different basis of the figures in each column. None of the columns in this answer is comparable with any other.
309Wyear up to and including 1978–79. Supplementary Estimates were taken to cover the effects of inflation from the price base of the original estimates to the end of the financial year in question (a period of up to 18 months). After 1978–79—reflecting the changed format for presenting Estimates to Parliament—the figures are at forecast outturn prices.
† The figures take no account of changes in the definition of the defence budget over the period.
‡ 1982–83 final provision.
║ Final outturn at final outturn prices (ie a price base up to 18 months later from that in column (i)).
¶ Average March 1982 to February 1983.