TNAG-0539-FCO40-634-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 136

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effect of the decisions will be to reduce. as compared with 1974-5,

the proportion of the planned defence budget devoted to manpower

and to increase the equipment share as follows:

E 35%

M 47%

0 18%

E

40%

M

43%

1974-75

(fig. 5)

17%

Annual

average 1979-80

78. This picture masks a number of changes in emphasis

83-84

in the programmes of the individual Services. The 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 defence airforces committed to NATO. An approximate breakdown

between the Services for 1979-80

position in 1974-5, is:-

83-4, as compared with the

I-36

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