§ 32. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Supply the cost of a Centurion tank and a Conqueror tank.
§ Sir E. BoyleIt would not be in the public interest to disclose this information.
§ Mr. HughesBut is the Minister aware that in the time of the Labour Government these figures were given in debate by the Minister, and could he not clear up the mystery here?
§ Sir E. BoyleYes, Sir, the hon. Gentleman has more than once drawn the attention of the House to the fact that some figures were given in the Report of the Select Committee on Estimates, but that was exceptional and will not be repeated.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThere may be good reasons why these figures should not be given, but would it not be more satisfactory if the hon. Gentleman would say what is the nature of the reasons why they should not be given?
§ Sir E. BoylePerhaps the right hon. Gentleman would put down a Question about that.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the hon. Gentleman aware that not only the Labour Government but also the present Government have frequently disclosed the cost of aircraft and other weapons, and what is the 816 reason this information is withheld? It seems very mysterious. Can we get an answer?
§ Sir E. BoyleI have nothing to add to what I have said already.
§ 33. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Supply how the cost of the latest type of tank compares with the tank used in 1945.
§ Sir E. BoyleSatisfactorily.
§ Mr. HughesBut is the Minister aware that the House will get the impression that these figures are not being given because they would shock the taxpayer?
§ Sir E. BoyleIf the right hon. Gentleman would like to know, the cost of the Centurion tank has been coming down recently as production has settled into its stride.