§ 2. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Minister of Supply what contracts have been placed with the Bristol Aeroplane Company on a cost-plus basis either for development work or otherwise; and what is the value of such work divided under the headings of development contracts and supply of civil or military aircraft and components during the years 1947 and 1948.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. G. R. Strauss)It would be contrary to established practice to give details of contracts placed with a particular firm.
§ Mr. CooperIs my right hon. Friend aware of any extensive under-employment at this factory and what steps does his Department take, since the cost-plus basis is admitted to be such an expensive way of placing-contracts, to keep a check to see that this under-employment is not charged to Government contracts?
§ Mr. StraussWherever possible no cost-plus contracts are given. It is only sometimes when the costs are quite unpredictable that we are forced to agree to such contracts, but we avoid them wherever possible.