§ 13. Mr. Hugh Lawsonasked the Minister of Aircraft Production if, in view of the satisfactory increase of production of aircraft by Short Brothers since this firm passed into public ownership, he will take over the remainder of the aircraft industry.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir.
§ Mr. LawsonWhile thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask if he is aware that the answer he gave to a Question last week has given considerable satisfaction in the country by disposing of the argument that there is nothing incompatible between the public ownership of factories and efficiency?
§ Sir S. CrippsI am always glad when an answer of mine gives satisfaction.
§ Mr. PickthornCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell us when and why he changed his opinion that it would not be possible to make any valid comparison of the output of Short's, owing to changes of production planned before the change of management?
§ Sir S. CrippsWhen we have had sufficiently long experience, in order to get that information.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs not the right hon. and learned Gentleman's answer that the State is not prepared to take over the aircraft industry, a very unsatisfactory one from a Socialist?
§ Sir Irving AlberyDoes the right hon. Gentleman wish the House to understand that the circumstances in which the present production of Short Bros. is forthcoming are in any way comparable to the circumstances existing before it was taken over?
§ Sir S. CrippsI am quite satisfied that the circumstances are different owing to the change of management.