§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the percentage of gross domestic product devoted to defence expenditure in the years 194950, 1959–60, 1969–70 and 1979–80, respectively.
§ Mr. PymUsing the NATO definition of defence expenditure, the figures are as follows
1950 1960 1970 1980 Major Surface Combatant … … 322 171 91 75 Submarines … … … … 66 53 35 32 Total 388 224 126 107 "Major surface combatant" is defined as a warship of frigate size or above. A simple numerical comparison over the years in question does not, of course, reflect improved capabilities.