§ 26. Mr. Eggarasked the Secretary of State for Defence what rate of inflation in defence procurement costs he expects up to 1987–88; and whether he expects to differ from general inflation in the United Kingdom economy.
§ Mr. ButlerThe extent to which future rates of inflation in defence procurement may differ from inflation in the economy generally will be influenced by factors which cannot be reliably predicted, such as differences in the pattern of inputs and in productivity. It will be my Department's aim to reduce procurement costs through continued emphasis on value for money and the exercise of competition.