HC Deb 17 February 1960 vol 617 cc121-2W
65. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Defence how the total of defence expenditure proposed for 1960–61 compares in real terms with that for 1952–53.

Mr. Watkinson

At 1952 prices, 1960–61 Defence Estimates of £1,617.83 million would be about £1,380 million. Actual net expenditure on defence in 1952–53 was £1,392 million.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Minister of Defence what percentage of the gross national product is now, in 1959–60, absorbed by defence; and how this compares with 1952–53.

Mr. Watkinson

The percentage of gross national product expected to be absorbed by expenditure on defence in 1959–60 is 7.2 per cent.

In 1952–53, the comparable figure was 9.95 per cent.