§ 2. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Supply the cost of the most expensive type of guided missile.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesThe most expensive type of guided missile at present envisaged is the ballistic missile. Depending on its range, this type of missile is expected to cost £150,000 or so in production.
§ Mr. HughesCan the Minister tell us why he can give the figures for a guided missile and cannot give the figures for a hydrogen bomb?
§ Mr. JonesAs I said to the hon. Gentleman, I am only too anxious to be as forthcoming as possible. A ballistic missile does not differ essentially in structure from country to country, but a hydrogen bomb does, and to give a figure for the hydrogen bomb would be to give another country a very good idea of what went into the making of it.
§ Mr. D. JonesHaving told us what the production cost is, can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what it has cost the country to develop the ballistic missile?