HC Deb 09 February 1953 vol 511 c7W
56. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Supply if, in the interests of the taxpayer, he will discontinue contracts on a cost-plus basis and put all contracts out to competitive tender.

Mr. Sandys

The overwhelming majority of our production contracts are placed on the basis of competitive tenders or fixed prices. Only in cases where costs cannot be reliably estimated in advance, as in research and development work, is payment made on a cost basis.