HC Deb 01 March 1955 vol 537 cc263-4W
120. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Defence by how much actual defence expenditure was less than estimated defence expenditure in 1952–53 and 1953–54; and what is his estimate of under spending for 1954–55.

Mr. H. Macmillan

After allowing for receipts from American aid, the estimated defence budget was overspent by £15 million in 1952–53 and under spent by £139 million in 1953–54. As regards 1954–55, I am not in a position to add to paragraph 55 of the Statement on Defence, 1955.