HC Deb 14 November 1950 vol 480 cc1528-9
5. Mr. Donner

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the gravity of the international situation, he now intends substantially to increase the production of Centurion or any other tanks.

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir. It will be more than doubled.

Mr. A. R. W. Low

Does this increase allow for the sale of Centurion tanks to European and other countries?

Mr. Strachey

The Question referred to the production of Centurion tanks, and I have answered it.

Mr. Low

But do not the tanks have to be produced in order that they may be sold?

Mr. Strachey

I was asked if the production of Centurion tanks was being increased, and I answered that it was being more than doubled.

Major Legge-Bourke

When the right hon. Gentleman says that production will be more than doubled has he any time factor in mind? If so, can he say what it is?

Mr. Strachey

I must not go into precise details on this matter, but production is now rising fairly rapidly.

Mr. Donner

Would the right hon. Gentleman say if the new rate of production will be adequate to our needs?

Mr. Strachey

That is a matter of opinion, and another question.