§ 27. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider the advisability of notifying to the unsuccessful tenderers for aerodromes and other Air Ministry public works the amount of the successful tender?
§ The Secretary of State for Air (Sir Kingsley Wood)I am satisfied that the general and long-standing practice of regarding contract prices as confidential is in the public interest and should be continued.
§ Mr. ManderWould it not be very easy to notify the unsuccessful firms of the actual amount that has been successful?
§ Sir K. WoodI do not think so. I have looked into this matter, and I find that it has been the policy of successive Governments. As a matter of fact, it was examined by a committee a little time ago, and perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to show him the reasons which have induced all Governments to come to this conclusion.
§ Mr. ManderThank you.