HC Deb 19 December 1946 vol 431 cc2149-50
17. Sir John Mellor

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he reversed the decision of his two immediate predecessors in office that a factory at Grantham should be allocated to Aveling-Barford, Limited, and allocated it instead to Grantham Productions, Limited; and what steps he took to satisfy himself that the latter company had sufficient capital available for the mass production of motor-cars.

Sir S. Cripps

Of the applicants for this factory, Aveling-Barford, Limited, at first put forward the strongest case. Subsequently, however, Grantham Productions, Limited, who were associated with the occupying contractors, supported their claim to retain "the factory for peace time production with evidence of improved financial and production resources. Having regard to all the circumstances, I decided that Grantham Productions ought not to be denied the opportunity they sought and that they should accordingly be allowed to remain.

Sir J. Mellor

In view of the lamentable result of the right hon. and learned Gentleman's decision, will he place the files in the Library so that hon. Members may examine what happened for themselves?

Sir S. Cripps

No, Sir.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

Is it not a claim that State control would prevent the losses which, it is said, used to be incurred under the private system of industry, and is this an example of how State planning would prevent bad investment?

Sir S. Cripps

It has no relation to State control whatever.

Mr. Stanley

Was this not directed by the Board of Trade, and is that not State control?

Sir S. Cripps

This was a question as to who should have the allocation of a Government factory which became available for private enterprise.

Mr. Stanley

Was that decision not taken by the President of the Hoard of Trade, and was it not, as it turns out now, the wrong decision?

Sir S. Cripps

It was taken by myself; whether it was wrong or not anybody can judge.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Will my right hon and learned Friend invite the hon. Gentleman to raise this matter on the Adjournment in order that we can tell the nation the full story, which includes the fact that Prince Ponitoski sold guns to both Germany and Britain?

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Osborne.

Sir J. Mellor

If the right hon. and learned Gentleman would be so good as to do what I ask and place the papers—

Mr. Speaker

I thought the hon. Gentleman was about to announce his intention to raise the matter on the Adjournment. I had called the next Question.