§ 63. Sir FRANK SANDERSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in relation to all Government contracts, he will provide for the publication of the names and accepted prices of the successful contractors in the same way as was done during the War?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs a general rule, the names of successful tenderers for Government contracts over £500 are already published, but I am advised that publication of contract prices would be against the public interest. My hon. Friend is, I think, under a misapprehension in stating that prices were published during the War.
§ Sir F. SANDERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is consider- 1151 able dissatisfaction felt, in some quarters at any rate, due to the feeling that undue influence hag been brought to bear in many instances in relation to various contracts in favour of one firm as against another.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI could not hear my hon. Friend very well, but, if he has any evidence tending to show that undue influence of any kind has operated in the placing of any contract, if he will bring the matter to my notice it shall be inquired into.
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that the publishing of the list of contracts would be for the good of the country?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt was the purpose of my answer to explain to the House that the settled opinion of the Government, as I imagine, of every Government for many years, has been that the public interest would not be served by the full disclosure of these contract prices. I shall be ready to discuss the matter when occasion arises, if so desired.