asked the Secretary of State for Defence what Government asistance is given to the Royal United Service Institution; why it has been reduced; and whether, in view of the valuable work done by the institute, he will reconsider his decision.

There has been no reduction in assistance. The present five year agreement provides for the payment to the Institution of £4,000 for each of the years 1962–63 to 1966–67 inclusive. The question of the payment of a grant in subsequent years is now the subject of discussion with the Institution.