§ 37. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of State for Defence, approximately how much in total has been spent in each of the last three financial years and, approximately, how much so far in 1971–72 on defence for, and in, Northern Ireland, including servicemen's pay, barracks, accommodation, weapons, transport, overheads and all other items; 221W and how this compares with Her Majesty's Government's expenditure in Northern Ireland on housing and on providing employment in each of these years.
§ Lord BalnielAs I explained in a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, North-East, (Mr. Adley) on 9th July, 1970, it is not possible to make any very meaningful estimate of the budgetary cost of our defence commitments in respect of a particular area. As regards the second part of the Question, expenditure in Northern Ireland on housing and on providing
RECRUITING FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDING 31ST DECEMBER Royal Navy and Royal Marines Army R.A.F. 1969 1970 Increase or decrease 1969 1970 Increase ot decrease 1969 1970 Increase or decrease Adult male other Ranks 1,057 1,110 +43 5,621 5,996* +375 2,677 2,798 +121 Juniors (including apprentices)† 2,178 2,628 +450 5,429 5,338* -91 1,695 1,683 -12 Womens' Services (including nurses) 536 608 +72 1,257 1,303 +46 1,383 1,383 — Notes * In November, 1970, Army recruiting figures were put on to a new basis, recruits being counted in the month in which they report for duty instead of on attestation. In consequence, some 850 Army male entrants who would have been counted in these six months totals will be counted in January, 1971. † Also includes young soldiers and young airmen.