§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent each of the figures for expenditure on war stocks in 1975–76, 1976–77 and 1977–78 given in his answer of 10th March 1978 to the hon. Member for Tynemouth represented increases in such stocks in real terms.
§ Dr. GilbertThere has been no change in the general level of war stocks over these years. Most of the expenditure referred to was needed for the maintenance of war stocks of ammunition and weapons at their present levels by refurbishment or replenishment and for the replacement of ageing or obsolete items. However, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence said in reply to a Question from the hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Churchill) on 7th March—[Vol. 945, c. 630.]—it is our intention to increase stocks of anti-armour and other critical munitions by one-third.