HC Deb 26 March 1970 vol 798 c525W
Mr. Philip Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what sums were spent in the purchase of warships, aircraft and missiles, other arms, ammunition, and warlike equipment in the years 1913, 1938, and 1969, respectively.

Mr. John Morris

Changes to the form of defence expenditure records since 1913 make it difficult to provide figures which are entirely consistent with one another. The available figures by financial years are as follows:

1913–14 17
1938–39 165
1969–70 (original estimate) 589