§ 68. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Minister of Defence whether, in view of the mounting cost of military nuclear research and of the independent development of nuclear missiles by this country, he has yet decided what steps he will take, within the general review of defence policy, to reduce expenditure substantially in those fields.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am not aware that the cost of military nuclear research and the development of nuclear missiles by this country is rising. The decision about the Blue Streak missile that I announced yesterday was not taken on financial grounds. Within the framework of defence policy, including the maintenance of an independent contribution by this country to the deterrent, I do all in my power to limit expenditure.