108. Mr. Shawcrossasked the Minister for Defence whether he will state in approximate figures the quantity of steel to be used in the new construction, repair and refitting of weapons and equipment of all kinds, including ships, for the Armed Forces during the next twelve months or other convenient period; and the labour force, including civil servants, which will be engaged directly and indirectly in providing supplies and services of all kinds, including transport, fuel and power and communications for the Armed Forces during the like period.
§ Mr. AlexanderI regret that it would not be in the public interest to give the information requested in the first part of the Question. As regards the second part, the estimate of the labour force required for defence during next financial year is still being worked out in connection with the preparation of the Annual Estimates.