HC Deb 22 April 1964 vol 693 cc1292-3
26. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many technical costs officers he employs; and if he will state their total annual salary.

Mr. Thorneycroft

None, Sir. Technical Costs Officers are employed by the Ministry of Aviation and we make use of their services. Also, certain staff in the Navy Department of the Ministry of Defence carry out technical costing on contract work as part of their normal duties.

Mr. Dalyell

In the light of this situation, in the Minister's opinion is there a sufficient number of technical costs officers in the Ministry of Aviation to avoid another Bloodhound situation?

Mr. Thorneycroft

If the hon. Member wants to ask about the numbers of this grade of the Civil Service in the Ministry of Aviation, he should put down a Question to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Aviation and get an answer to it.