§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will specify for the longest and most convenient period of time since 18th June, 1970, actions that he has taken to reduce the prices of any goods and services which fall within the control of his Department, or for which he has to give Ministerial approval.
§ Lord BalnielWith few exceptions the Ministry of Defence does not supply goods or services to non-Exchequer customers except incidentally to its main tasks and where there is some defence benefit in doing so. Special conditions apply to the sale of defence equipment to other Governments and to the disposal of surplus stores, which is normally carried out by auction or tender. In other cases the prices charged are designed to recover the full cost incurred by the Department, or in certain circumstances the extra costs. The prices are periodically reviewed.