§ Mr. Fordasked the Secretary of State for Defence on what basis he calculated the Votes A for the maximum numbers of personnel to be maintained for service with the Armed Forces during the year ending 31st March 1975.
§ Mr. MasonThe figures were prepared for my predecessor and were being printed when the change of Government occurred. They have been presented now because, in accordance with constitutional practice, parliamentary authority should be obtained for them by the end of this month. They represent the maximum numbers for the Armed Forces which the Government are committed not to exceed.