HC Deb 03 June 1957 vol 571 c872
2. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Supply the cost of the most expensive type of guided missile.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

The 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. Hughes

Can the Minister tell us why he can give the figures for a guided missile and cannot give the figures for a hydrogen bomb?

Mr. Jones

As 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. Jones

Having 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?

Mr. Jones

No, Sir.