Orders of the Day — Defence Estimate, 1970–71 (Vote on Account)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 March 1970.

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Photo of Sir John Morris Sir John Morris , Aberavon 12:00, 17 March 1970

I said earlier that I would confine my remarks to replying to questions about procurement, which is my responsibility. Whichever one of my colleagues catches your eye, Mr. Speaker, will deal with the pension point made with some feeling by the hon. and gallant Gentleman, together with other points which have been raised.

We have had a most interesting and helpful debate. As one who labours in a rather solitary state in dealing with equipment, and, apart from Question Time, not having the opportunity to canvass the real problems which exercise the minds of myself and my advisers, I am grateful for the opportunity of answering at greater length than is normal at Question Time some of the useful contributions which have been made in the debate. It would not be a platitude to say that this is the House of Commons in one of its better moments, of which we are proud, where people have been drawing on their own experience and relating it to Estimates which far too frequently go untouched by the detailed comment which we have had tonight. I am grateful to all hon. and right hon. Members who have taken part.