§ 48. Mr. POTTSasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he will now consider the advisability of taking steps for the State to take over the manufacture and control of all armaments?
§ Sir T. INSKIPThe Government are considering the Report of the Royal Commission on the Private Manufacture of and Trading in Arms. I would remind the hon. Gentleman that the Royal Commission have reported that, in their opinion, a system of State monopoly is undesirable.
§ Mr. POTTSMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in his opinion, the Government, under State ownership and control, would not be more able to safeguard the nation's finances?
§ Sir T. INSKIPNo, I am not of that opinion.
§ Mr. PALINGDoes the right hon. Gentleman's first answer mean that the Government have not made up their mind about the proposals made by the Commission?
§ Sir T. INSKIPThe question addressed to me was in relation to what might be described as nationalisation of the industry. I would remind the hon. Gentleman that that part of the committee's report is unfavourable to the proposal.
§ Mr. PALINGYes, but the right hon. Gentleman made a reference to the recommendations of the commission; have the Government reached any decision on the recommendations yet?
§ Sir T. INSKIPNo, Sir, the Government have scarcely had time to consider the recommendations.