HC Deb 10 March 1964 vol 691 cc242-3
31. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will instruct all Government Departments to make the placing of Government contracts conditional on the contractor allowing freedom of access to the appropriate Minister's technical cost officers at all stages in the design and production process.

Mr. Green

No, Sir.

Mr. Dalyell

Why should negotiators operating on behalf of the Ministry have to negotiate in ignorance of facts known to the contractors?

Mr. Green

That is a somewhat surprising suggestion. If the hon. Gentleman has a particular case in mind, I should like notice of it. The negotiations are not undertaken in ignorance of the facts.

Mr. Dalyell

Would the hon. Gentleman care to repeat that in the case of Bloodhound I?

Mr. Green

I think the hon. Gentleman knows that this matter is now under investigation, and I think that it would be unwise to comment on it.