§ 1. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Supply what is his estimate of the cost of a hydrogen bomb.
§ The Minister of Supply (Mr. Aubrey Jones)It would not be in the public interest to give such an estimate.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware of the strong criticisms of the right hon. Member for Woodford (Sir W. Churchill) because the Labour Government spent £100 million without telling the House of 872 Commons, and is the right hon. Gentleman following this regrettable precedent? Could he not tell us how many Premium Bonds the Postmaster-General would have to sell in order to pay for a bomb?
§ Mr. JonesI am very ready to be as forthcoming as possible in these matters, but I am afraid that this is an instance where it would be in conflict with the public interest to give a figure.