§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Prime Minister what level of peace dividend he expects the United Kingdom to achieve over the next five years on current Government policies.
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§ The Prime MinisterThe Government's expenditure plans for the next three years were set out by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Autumn Statement (Cm 1729). These show the underlying cost of the defence programme being reduced significantly in real terms. No decisions have yet been taken on expenditure in later years. The Government remain committed to the maintenance of a strong and effective defence for the United Kingdom and its interests.