§ 62. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take under review the refusal of Service Departments to disclose prices paid for munitions and the like; and whether he will, in all cases in which no clear public advantage is gained by non-disclosure, insist that prices should be disclosed and brought under the recognised safeguard of Parliamentary scrutiny?
§ Sir J. SimonI am satisfied that the public interest is best served by the continuance of the standing practice under 3298 which contract prices are regarded as confidential.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in other countries, where the public interest is presumably the same, the contract prices are published, notably in the United States, where the prices of aero engines and aircraft are published in full, and is he certain that the fear of Parliamentary criticism has not influenced the Government in coming to this decision?
§ Sir J. SimonThe decision is one which has been repeatedly stated in this House by successive Governments. There are quite a number of considerations to be taken into account.
§ Mr. Garro JonesCan the right hon. Gentleman say what factor of public interest obtains in this country which does not obtain in other countries, where the figures are published without detriment to the public interest?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs it not a fact that it was the practice up to the time of the War, at least, for Governments to give full information concerning prices for armament contracts?
§ Sir J. SimonNo, Sir, I have a record which shows that the existing practice has constantly been followed and goes back at least to 1888.