§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what amount his Department spent on research and development, respectively, for military weapons in the latest year for which figures are available; how many United Kingdom firms benefit directly from this expenditure; and if he will list those firms which received more than £100 million for those purposes.
§ Mr. Butler:In 1983–84 £357 million was spent on research and £1,556 million on development. A more detailed analysis of research and development figures is given each year in the "Statement on the Defence Estimates, Volume 2." It is not possible without undue cost and effort to identify all firms which benefit directly from defence research and development expenditure, but the number of firms with defence research and development contracts in 1983–84 was about 1,100 and of these British Aerospace (Aircraft) and British Aerospace (Dynamics) each received more than £100 million in defence contracts for research and development purposes.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the defence budget is spent on research and development; what are the comparable figures for West Germany and France; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Butler:In 1983–84, 12.4 per cent. of the defence budget was spent on research and development. Comparable figures for West Germany and France are not available.