information (USACDA) (SIPRI) (IISS) (OECD) Experts Type of conver s ion Exchange Exchange Exchange Military factor rates rates rates GDP PPP8 PPPS Participating States Australia 2.48 2.24 2.56 2.12 1.52 Austria 0.58 0.41 0.43 0.49 0.53 Finland 0.51 0.46 0.44 0.45 0.55 Italy 6.24 4.98 4.63 5.32 7.68 Norway 1;oa 0.93 0.86 0.78 0.78 Sweden 2.36 1.98 1.61 1.66 1.39 United Kingdom '15.80 13.94 12.37 15.02 13.28 United States 100 100 100 100 100 / . . . A/40/421 English Page 52 D. Possible further improvement6 125. Concerning the general statistical method used by the Group, no major imprOVemenk8 could be expected in view of the fact that this method has been already tested and refined in such intensive efforts as those of the United Nations International Comparison Project and Of the Statistical Office Of GFcD in their construction of civilian PPPs. However, some improvements are easily conceivable with regard to the practical application of this method for the construction Of military PPPs. 126. The amount and quality of information received in the course of the Group's exercise could be improved , although considerable efforts were made by the Contacts Of participating States in order to provide the Group with reliable Statistical data. Further efforts could, however, be made both to supply more data and to define better the information on prices and quantities requested. This could, for instance, be done by means of more precise and better elaborated questionnaires. 127. The price indexes constructed by the Group for the category of personnel seem to be fairly accurate and not greatly in need of improvement. However, the Comparison between conscripted and enlisted personnel involve Specific problems as the results of such comparisons depend much on the particular approach which iS 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a report on a statistical analysis of military spending by various countries, with a focus on comparing the prices of military personnel and equipment across different nations. The text mentions various organizations and institutions, such as SIPRI, IISS, and OECD, which are involved in the analysis of military expenditure. The language used is technical and specialized, suggesting that the text is intended for an audience with a background in economics or international relations.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade