§ 40. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for War what was the average contract price of 3.45-inch shells made from bar ordered from firms not normally engaged in armament manufacture during the latter half of 1936; how many of those contracts were at a figure above 17s. 6d. per shell; and how many of those contracts have been renewed year by year since they were first placed, and at what average price?
§ Sir V. WarrenderIt is contrary to practice to disclose prices paid under contracts; but, in actual fact, no 3.45-inch shell was made from bar by any firm not normally engaged in armament manufacture.
§ Mr. StokesIs the Minister aware that in 1936 contracts for 3.45-inch shells were let at 22s. 6d. a piece, and is it known, to him that, using the proper machinery, it is possible to manufacture these shells, including a wide margin of profit, at 14s. a piece?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe hon. Gentleman asked me for particulars of firms which are not usually armament manufacturers who manufacture these shells for 17s. 6d. I said that there have not been any such cases.
§ Mr. StokesWere any contracts let to any firms at 22s. 6d. in 1936, as it is not giving information to an enemy?
§ Sir V. WarrenderPerhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.
§ Mr. LawsonWhy should not the House have information of this character?
§ Sir V. WarrenderIt is a long established practice not to disclose contract prices.
§ Mr. Garro JonesWas not that practice established before the days of combines and telephones when manufacturers could not get into touch with each other as they do to-day and find out what each one is tendering?