HC Deb 01 November 1945 vol 415 cc614-5
50 Mr. Thomas Macpherson

asked the Prime Minister whether, in consequence of His Majesty's Government's decision to continue the Ministry of Supply as a permanent Ministry, the private manufacture and sale of arms in this country will in future be prohibited.

Mr. H. Morrison

The manufacture of armaments will be the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production. In maintaining war potential they will utilise both private and State owned capacity as circumstances may require.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask the Lord President of the Council whether, in so far as private manufacturers are used, the Government will continue to insist on the examination of costs, whether the arms are provided for this country or anywhere else?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir; I should think so.

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