457 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the reason for (1) the 29 per cent increase in expenditure under Vote 36, subhead I, (2) the 19 per cent increase in expenditure under Vote 36, subhead K, and (3) the 21 per cent increase in expenditure under Vote 36, subhead O, in the Estimates for Public Services 1992.

The Defence Estimate 1992 provides for increases over the provisional outturn figures for 1991 in subheads I — Mechanical Transport — and K — General Stores — to cater for the acquisition of new vehicles and certain equipment. The allocation in subhead O — Provisions — is provided to meet the cost of a new ration scale.