HC Deb 03 March 1966 vol 725 c352W
Sir T. Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the proportion of the gross national product that will be spent on defence in 1966–67 and in the four following financial years.

Mr. Healey

The proportion of the gross national product to be spent on defence in 1966–67 is estimated to be 6.6 per cent. Based on the forecast in the National Plan for growth in the gross national product, the proportion will be about 6 per cent. by 1969–70, but the precise rate of progression cannot be forecast at present.