asked the Minister of Defence what percentage of the gross national product is now being spent on defence.

Seven.

As this figure is not a very high one compared with what we were spending in 1952, does it not put in proper proportion the total amount of defence expenditure for the coming year, which shows an increase?

It compares with a figure of 9·8 per cent. in 1952–53 and shows quite a reduction.

Does the 7 per cent. expenditure include next year or only the current year, as asked? If not, what will the figure be next year?

This is what is being spent on this year at the present time, and it looks like staying around 7 per cent., though there may be one point either way. The figure, of course, depends on the growth of the national product.