HC Deb 12 December 1974 vol 883 cc225-6W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the annual level of defence spending envisaged for 1984 under the defence review expressed in terms of constant 1974 pounds; and what percentage reduction this level represents compared with spending for the current year.

Mr. Mason

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend to the right hon. Member for Worcester (Mr. Walker) on 9th December.—[Vol. 883, c. 77–2.] The cost of defence as a proportion of our national resources will be reduced from 5½ per cent of GNP to 4½ per cent.

Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the anticipated expenditure on defence for each of the next 10 years at constant prices, both before and after the changes in policy announced in the defence review.

Mr. Mason

I have nothing to add to the reply which my hon. Friend gave to the right hon. Member for Worcester (Mr. Walker) on 9th December.—[Vol. 883, c.71–2.]