§ Mr. Biffenasked the Prime Minister to what extent reductions on military and civil aid expenditure and in the cost of representation and information services overseas will contribute to the £100 million saving on overseas expenditure.
§ Mr. DiamondI have been asked to reply. No further announcement can be made at present as the decisions which the Government has taken on the relevant prograrnmes require further consultation in detail in many cases with those concerned at home and overseas.
§ Mr. John Smithasked the Prime Minister how much foreign exchange he estimates will be saved in the next six months by reduction on military and civil aid expenditure.
§ Mr. DiamondI have been asked to reply. The figure of £100 million for the saving in all Government overseas expenditure, military and civil, which was given by my right hon. Friend in his statement last week relates to the financial year 1967–68 as compared with 1966–67. It would be unrealistic to expect major savings within the next six months.
§ Mr. John Smithasked the Prime Minister how much foreign exchange he estimates will be saved in the next three months by the reduction of overseas Government expenditure.
§ Mr. DiamondI have been asked to reply. The figure of £100 million for the saving in all Government overseas expenditure, military and civil, which was given by my right hon. Friend in his statement last week relates to the financial year 1967–68 as compared with 1966–67. It would be unrealistic to expect major savings within the next three months.