§ 7. Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the gross financial benefit for the Scottish economy of having UK armed forces based in Scotland. [141570]
§ Dr. ReidOn the basis of the most recent figures available, defence expenditure in Scotland is estimated at approximately £1.8 billion and supports, directly and indirectly, approximately 60,000 jobs. Clearly, defence expenditure is both substantial and important to the Scottish economy.