HC Deb 09 December 1974 vol 883 c72W
Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will set out his calculations as to defence expenditure in each of the next 10 years on the assumption that this expenditure complies with his statement of 3rd December;

(2) if he will set out the savings on defence expenditure he anticipates in each of the years between 1974 and 1984 in order to reach the £4,700 million referred to in his statement of 3rd December.

Mr. William Rodgers

The provisional totals emerging from the defence review as compared with the February 1974 estimates of the previous programme are:

engineers, a frigate and patrol boats, a squadron of helicopters and appropriate support. I cannot comment on our proposed reductions in advance of consultations with the Hong Kong Government.

Mr. Peter Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the cost of British forces in Hong Kong the Hong Kong Government currently meets; and what percentage he will be seeking in 1976.

Mr. William Rodgers

About 25 per cent. As to 1976 onwards, I cannot at present add to what my right hon. Friend said in his statement to the House on the defence review on 3rd December.