HC Deb 06 July 1939 vol 349 cc1479-80
49. Mr. Stokes

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the facts disclosed on prices being paid for punched angle-irons for Anderson shelters, he will obtain a review of prices for all uncompleted contracts and ensure a reduction of price in all future contracts?

The Lord Privy Seal (Sir John Anderson)

I do not know to what disclosures the hon. Member refers, but it was part of the arrangement made when the first comparatively small contract was placed that there should be such a review and that the price to be paid under subsequent contracts should be adjusted in the light of the facts thereby ascertained.

Mr. Stokes

Does the Minister remember stating that he had ordered 1,400,000 shelters at £7 apiece when it was stated by competent authorities that they should not cost more than £5, and that on that account I asked for a revision?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not think the hon. Gentleman's recollection is correct. I do not think I said that 1,400,000 had been ordered at any particular price. The first contract was much smaller than that. The revision of price based on the cost investigation to which I have referred will apply to the remaining contracts, amounting in total to 2,400,000.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Minister in a position to say at what price these new contracts are to be placed?

Sir J. Anderson

It was stated some time ago that it is contrary to long-established practice to give prices.