HC Deb 27 May 1952 vol 501 cc1134-5
16. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for War the cost of the new weapon of Swedish design which is intended to replace the Bofors gun.

Mr. Head

The cost of this new gun is about £11,000.

Mr. Hughes

Can the Minister give the total cost that is likely to be involved? Who is getting the money? Where do the Swedes come in?

Mr. Head

It has been settled that we should re-equip with this gun, and it has been ordered in the normal way.

Mr. Hughes

How does it compare with the previous gun that it replaces?

Mr. Head

It is much better than the previous one.

Sir H. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend make sure in connection with the new gun that the mistake will not be made as happened with the old Bofors gun, in that we do not have adequate drawings? Will he ensure that there are adequate drawings from Sweden before we go into production?

Mr. Head

Yes, that has been ensured.

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