§ 44. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the amount involved in the con tract recently placed with Messrs. Vickers-Armstrongs, Crayford; and why it was necessary to arrange payment on the instalment system.
§ Mr. CallaghanSeveral contracts have been placed with this firm in the last few months, some of which provide for payment by instalments. This is a normal practice. It is not the custom to disclose the sum involved in any particular contract.
§ Sir W. SmithersAre the Socialist Government so near bankruptcy that for the first time in history they have to pay for contracts on the instalment system?
§ Mr. CallaghanI do wish the hon. Gentleman would listen.
§ Sir W. SmithersI did.
§ Mr. CallaghanThis is a normal practice.
§ Sir W. SmithersNo, it is not.