Tories make defence spending pledge

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In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, he insisted that it was "inconceivable" that the defence budget could be cut while the forces were still fighting a war in Afghanistan.

Dr Fox spoke out amid signs of tensions within the shadow cabinet after shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley promised spending on the NHS would increase under the Conservatives.

He suggested that the health budget could rise by 2% as a proportion of gross domestic product - an increase of £28 billion.

With shadow chancellor George Osborne committed to sticking to Labour's existing spending plans for the next three years, that would mean deep cuts elsewhere.

Asked about Mr Lansley's comments, Dr Fox said: "I just think it is a timely reminder of the need to be very disciplined and careful when discussing any spending plans."

At the same time, he made clear that he was determined to ensure that any cuts did not fall on defence.

"We will deal with these problems when we have an idea of what the public finances look like when we come to power," he said.

"But I find it inconceivable that the Conservatives would cut the defence budget while we are still fighting a war. There is no question of cutting defence."