§ Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Supply if he will give a comparative table of the prices charged for a range of current products for civil use from his Department's factories and from private undertakings.
§ Mr. Leonard:Most of the work so far undertaken by the Royal Ordnance Factories for goods for civil use is of the nature of sub-contract work or work on components. Where controlled or standard trade prices are applicable these are normally charged, but for much work, such as that to special designs or particular requirements, there is no standard price or basis of comparison. In such cases ordinary tendering is applicable and to disclose the quotations would be contrary to general commercial practice; it would prejudice the Royal Ordnance Factories in comparison with other producers and also prejudice the Department in its relations with the manufacturers for whom the production is undertaken.