ABSTRACT
This chapter examines certain aspects of the defence effort sustained during the Thatcher years. It will take three major themes the Nott review, the cost of Trident and procurement questions that characterized defence spending during Mrs Thatcher's tenure as prime minister. There has also been an introduction of new management structures within the Ministry of Defence following the recommendations of Sir Robin Ibb's report 'Improving Management in Government the Next Steps'. A full defence review was avoided between the Nott review of 1981 and the King review, 'Options for change', in 1990. After 1986 it was decided to abandon the commitment to 3 per cent increases in defence expenditure; it then began to fall in real terms. Events in Eastern Europe, the slowing economy, and the higher than expected inflation have all combined to force change in British defence spending, necessitating a substantial rethink of existing policies and commitments.
