§ 3. Mr. Ellisasked the Minister of Technology what cases of overcharging on Government contracts he is investigating.
§ 36. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of Technology when he expects the results of the inquiry into the costing of the preliminary Seacat missile contract to be completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Technology (Mr. Anthony Wedgwood Benn)The only case of possible overcharging now under investigation relates to the Seacat missile.
§ Mr. EllisHow far has my right hon. Friend got with this investigation? We know very little about it so far and there is a great deal of public concern about what is happening at Short Bros. Can we have more information?
§ Mr. BennThere are later Questions about Shorts. I will report to the House or this investigation as soon as I can.
§ Mr. BarnettIs it not something of an academic point whether there is overcharging, because under the present system is not the only way in which we can obtain a refund to give a subsidy to the company?
§ Mr. BennI would rather not comment on this question for the reason which I have given, that this is only a possible case of overcharging. I would rather not comment until I am able to make a full statement.
§ Mr. OnslowCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the total number of contracts let by his Ministry?
§ Mr. BennNot accurately without notice, but it is about 20,000 a year. Until we have equality of information and post costing we will not be absolutely certain that this sort of thing does not happen.