§ 73. Mr. Manderasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the maximum rate of profit permitted in Admiralty contracts during the past two years in the three highest cases, and the amount of contracts in each case?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Shakespeare)It would not be in the public interest to give the information asked for in the question. I would refer the hon. Member to the replies to his questions of 7th April last given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence.
§ Mr. ManderIs my hon. Friend aware that this information with regard to Air Ministry contracts was given here in the last few weeks by the Air Minister, and is there any reason why the same information should not be given in the public interest with regard to Naval contracts? Will my hon. Friend be good enough to reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI will always reconsider anything, but my firm opinion is that whatever is done in other cases, it would be a grave departure if we were to give the rate of profits with regard to Admiralty contracts. I am sure that the interests of the taxpayer are best served by this rule.
§ Mr. ManderWhy is it more dangerous to do it in the case of Admiralty contracts than in the case of Air Ministry contracts.
§ Mr. ShakespeareWe have had long years of experience in the Admiralty, and we have devised a system which we think does justice to all.
§ Mr. MathersDoes the hon. Gentleman mean that they have had years of experience of contractors who cannot be trusted to do the fair thing?
§ Mr. StephenDoes the hon. Gentleman suggest that it was not in the public interest for the Air Ministry to give that information?
Mr. De la BèreIs it not a fact that the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) asks an enormous number of questions?
§ Mr. ManderIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.