HC Deb 05 August 1971 vol 822 cc367-8W
Mr. Wilkinson

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is his estimate of the total percentage of the Defence Budget devoted to the pay and allowances of regular Servicemen, reservists and civilians following the interim pay award announced on 3rd August, 1971; and how this compares with the percentage of the Defence Budget devoted to equipment and weapon procurement.

Lord Balniel

Taking into account relevant changes since the Estimates, including civilian pay awards and the offsetting reduction in S.E.T. announced in the Budget, as well as the interim pay award for the Services, the percentage of the Defence Budget devoted to pay and allowances in 1971–72 is now estimated at 55 per cent. The percentage devoted to equipment and weapon procurement is estimated at 29 per cent.