CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

the proportionate shares of the defence budget based on 1974

Survey prices for 1974-75 and 1979-80 to 1983-84 are broadly:-

E 35%

E

40%

M 47%

M 43%

О 18%

1974-75

(fig. 5)

17%

Annual

average 1979-80

83-84

78.

The Royal Navy's share of

the defence budget is planned to increase because the Navy is

entering a period of re-equipment;

but this increase has been

substantially modified by the reduction in the size of the new con-

struction programme including the decision not to replace the

present amphibious lift with purpose-built ships. Significant

savings in Army equipment have been offset by a positive decision

to keep Army manpower and combat capability at the level necessary

to enable it to carry out its primary tasks. The large reductions

in Royal Air Force transport aircraft are offset by the decision to

retain, and i n some cases improve the strike, attack and

air dcfence airforces committed to NATO. An approximate breakdown

between the Services is:-

1.37

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

Share This Page