A Change of Direction

Abstract

Until 1967, the MOD had been the principle source of funding for the Establishment. MRE was working to a broad remit and was tasked with ‘the assessment of the risk of BW to the country, its forces and civil population, and the investigation of means of defence’. However, economies in defence funding introduced in 1967, coupled with a change in the international political climate with regard to BW, began to result in changes for the financial support of MRE. The initially threatened cut of 10 per cent in the budget for MRE had been averted when agreement was reached that the Establishment should seek to obtain financial support from civil sources at a level of 25 per cent of running costs. At a level of £277 000, this was achieved in 1969 and the Establishment was encouraged to increase the figure.