§ 31. Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of gross national product is currently devoted to defence expenditure; and what was the equivalent figure for 1960.
§ Mr. MasonIn 1976–77 it is estimated that the defence budget will account for about 5.5 per cent. of gross national product at factor cost. In 1960–61 the comparable figure was 6.9 per cent.
§ 35. Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what reactions he has received from the United Kingdom's NATO allies to his latest round of cuts in defence expenditure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MasonNATO is still considering the reductions, and I cannot say at this stage when this process will be completed.
§ 48. Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider reducing the proportion of the nation's resources devoted to defence to bring it into line with other Western European nations.
§ Mr. MasonIn the Defence Review and subsequently I have made substantial reductions in planned defence expenditure. Defence expenditure is subject to the public expenditure annual review, to ensure that the balance between the requirements of security and the economy is being maintained.