HC Deb 05 May 1925 vol 183 c732
Mr. SNELL

asked the Secretary of State for War the average cost of standard small-arms ammunition produced in the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich, as compared with the prices paid to private firms producing the same class of stores?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

It is not in the public interest to state the prices paid to private firms.

Mr. SNELL

Is the information not available to the House of Commons?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I am afraid I must repeat that it is not in the public interest to give the information.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what check if any, there is on these contracts?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

We take great care about that in the Department.

Mr.W.THORNE

Is it passible for the House or the general public to gauge the difference between the cost of private enterprise and the cost of work done in the Arsenal, if we have not the information?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

That would take a longer answer than I can give at Question Time. If the hon. Member will take the opportunity, I shall he glad to argue it at any other time.

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