§ 21. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Supply the cost of the last atomic explosion at Monte Bello islands; and what is his estimate of the cost of future explosions.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. Reginald Maudling)It would not be in the public interest to say what the cost of any particular explosion has been or will be.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the right hon. Gentleman recollect that last Monday he told me that if I put a Question on the Paper he would try to answer it? Is this his best attempt? Is he trying to hide the facts from the British taxpayers more than from any potential enemy?
§ Mr. MaudlingI am afraid it is the best I can do. I have looked at it very carefully. There is no doubt that if one gives figures of this kind they do enable other countries to assess the size of our nuclear effort.