§ Colonel DAYasked the Prime Minister the average cost of an aeroplane for use with the Army or Navy and the cost of the smaller submarines; and whether the Cabinet, before committing the country to expenditure in the building of cruisers, v, ill consider whether better defence of this country and its trade could be effected by a larger use of submarines and aircraft at less cost to the taxpayer?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe average price of a Service aircraft, including engine and accessories, is roughly £7,000; that of a small submarine of the ocean-going type about £400,000; but a comparison of initial cost is misleading, as various other factors have to be considered. As regards the last part of the question, I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that all relevant considerations were borne in mind by the Government in coming to a decision in this matter.