§ 34. Mr. Douglasasked the Minister of Aircraft Production what has been the average cost per ton of aluminium produced in this country during each of the last four years.
§ The Minister of Aircraft Production (Sir Stafford Cripps)I regret I am unable to give the information desired. It would be contrary to the public interest to disclose the prices paid under Government contracts.
§ Mr. DouglasOn a point of Order. I have not asked the price paid on Government contracts; I asked what is the cost of production of aluminium.
§ Sir S. CrippsThat is so closely related—all the aluminium being purchased by the Government at a price paid under contract—that it would be a disclosure of the same thing.
§ Sir Oliver SimmondsIs it not a fact that, after the great shortage of aluminium in 1940, adequate quantities were provided by private enterprise, with the assistance of the Ministry; and have not prices been continually reduced since then?