asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply what methods are adopted to ascertain what a fair price should be as to contract prices for shell-cases of various types; and whether he is satisfied that he has adequate powers to fix prices?

The price-fixing clause in normal use in contracts for shell bodies is the Ministry's standard costings clause, under which the fixing of fair and reasonable charges for materials, labour, overheads and profit margin rests with the Minister. This clause has so far proved adequate, but the Minister would not hesitate to seek further powers if he found on experience that he required them.