28 FEBRUARY 1976, Page 18

Defence expenditure

Sir: The Russians would love Mrs Thatcher to be Prime Minister. They know that she would attempt to keep up with them in defence spending. That would make us bankrupt. Then our defence would be non-existent and it would leave a gaping hole in NATO. That is just what the Russians want.

A family of four in Britain spends about £6 per week on defence. Mrs Thatcher says it is not enough. She should wake up and get her sums right. Britain spends 51 per cent on defence, Germany and France 3 per cent.

Royce Bradshaw 213, Shirehall Road, Sheffield 5