§ 31. Mr. Hicksasked the Secretary ofState for Defence when he expects to announce the details of the Government's review on defence; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MasonAs I stated earlier today, I plan to make a statement on 3rd December and the Leader of the House has promised a one-day debate before Christmas.
38. Mr. loan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in publishing his plans for the defence review, he will have special regard for the national and world economic problems; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. MasonOn the timing of my statement, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given earlier today. I can assure him that I have had the economic situation very much in mind during the Defence Review.
§ 43. Rear-Admiral Morgan-Gilesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that the defence review, when it is published, will include an up-to-date assessment of the potential of the Soviet armed forces; and how this is increas ing or decreasing as compared with NATO.
§ Mr. MasonThe hon. and gallant Gentleman will recall that I have described the threat to our security in considerable detail during recent debates in this House. I can assure him that full consideration has been given to this threat during the Defence Review, and an up-to-date assessment will be included in the Defence White Paper in due course.
§ 44. Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for discussing the proposed defence review with other members of NATO.
§ Mr. MasonAs stated earlier today, formal consultations with our NATO allies will commence at the time of the statement on the Defence Review.