§ 4. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Supply what sum was spent on the development and manufacture of nuclear weapons during the years 1951 to 1955.
§ Mr. MaudlingIt would not be in the public interest to give this information.
§ Mr. HughesWhile I thank the Minister for that reply, which appears to be his usual answer to my Questions, does he recollect the ferocious attack made by his right hon. Friend the Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill) on the Labour Government for spending £100 million, so he used to say, without telling the House? Is the Minister following that precedent? If the figures for expenditure could be given during the time of the Labour Government, why are the Tory Government ashamed to give them?
§ Mr. MaudlingI do not think it has been the practice of any Government to reveal the amount spent on atomic weapons, which is what the Question refers to.