Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Lee of Trafford (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Thursday, 25 June 2009.

Wellington Barracks

Question: My Lords, I will never forget my visit to Wellington barracks with the noble Baroness, because I got stuck in a lift with the top brass and officials, and it took a good five or six minutes to get out. The occasion is etched indelibly in my memory. Is not the problem with Wellington barracks indicative of the fact that the defence budget is in serious trouble? Does the noble Baroness agree that the nation now has to choose either to put more resources into defence and remain a premier military power, or to drop down to a superior, very effective but still second-division military power?

Answer: My Lords, I am aware of the fact that the delegation got stuck in a lift. Those who were present had—shall we say?—a little extended briefing. I have been assured that the flick relay component that caused the problem has been fixed and that the lift is now functioning. I am sure that that will reassure any Member of the House who visits in future. As for the defence budget, I remind the House that we are spending £35.4 billion on defence, which does not include the significant cost of operations. By 2010-11, the defence budget will be 10 per cent higher in real terms than it was in 1997. As that marks the longest period of sustained growth since the 1980s, it should be reassuring.

Secondary information