BBC News - Trident costs must come from MoD budget, Osborne says
Whitehall was in a furore today as the Ministry of Defence went head to head with Treasury. Both Departments staff were sent scurrying for support to the FCO (Foreign Office). Since the Treasury does not believe the MoD estimates of potential threat levels my informant tells me that the FCO advised 'an independant review' - normal FCO language for 'not getting involved'. It is my undestanding that FCO opinion favour the MoD view but that Minister seeks a comprimise. The matter is expected to come to a head at Cabinet on Monday when Chancellor has returned from his 'Indian Summer' with the PM. Reading between the lines at close of play today has the MoD has the upper hand and rumours circulate that Clegg will support the MoD. The Chancellor may need check his words in future before trying to play Dr.Fox with a Doctorate perhaps in Cunning from Cambridge?
I am not involved but hear alot.
Whitehall was in a furore today as the Ministry of Defence went head to head with Treasury. Both Departments staff were sent scurrying for support to the FCO (Foreign Office). Since the Treasury does not believe the MoD estimates of potential threat levels my informant tells me that the FCO advised 'an independant review' - normal FCO language for 'not getting involved'. It is my undestanding that FCO opinion favour the MoD view but that Minister seeks a comprimise. The matter is expected to come to a head at Cabinet on Monday when Chancellor has returned from his 'Indian Summer' with the PM. Reading between the lines at close of play today has the MoD has the upper hand and rumours circulate that Clegg will support the MoD. The Chancellor may need check his words in future before trying to play Dr.Fox with a Doctorate perhaps in Cunning from Cambridge?
I am not involved but hear alot.
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