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Written question asked by Fergus Montgomery (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 March 1997. It was answered by Michael Portillo (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 March 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Ministry of Defence

Question
What assessment he has made of the importance to the deterrent capability of United Kingdom forces of spending above the European average. - Inc fig. (Failed OPQ).
Answer

Sir Fergus Montgomery: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the importance to the deterrent capability of United Kingdom forces of spending above the European average. [18048] Mr. Portillo: A reduction in UK defence expenditure to the current NATO European average would involve cuts of around £5 billion per year. This would have a devastating effect on the capability of our armed forces and on their ability to deter aggression.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
292 c183W; 18048
Session
1996-97
Question not reached
Yes
Subjects
Armed forces Defence Expenditure
Contains statistics
Yes