§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will list the projects affected by the Chancellor's statement of public expenditure retrenchment announced on 21st May which fall on his Vote and indicate the total savings expected for the current and prospective year.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourThe defence saving of £50 million—at 1972 prices—included in my right hon. Friend's statement will all fall on the defence budget for 1974–75. Details of the measures to be implemented are being worked out, and it is too early, therefore, to say how the saving will he allocated by Votes or to give the implications for 1973–74. The measures will, however, involve economies in and deferments of expenditure on manpower and on the equipment and works programmes.
I would also refer my hon. Friend to the reply given today to his Question to the Minister for the Civil Service.