§ 45. Sir W. Smithersasked the Prime Minister when he proposes to introduce a Bill to nationalise the iron and steel industries and the railways, respectively.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)A Bill to provide for the nationalisation and better co-ordination of transport, on the lines indicated in the Lord President's statement to the House on 19th November, will be introduced in an early Session of this Parliament. While I appreciate very much the enthusiasm of the hon. Member, I must ask him to have a little patience. The Government are not yet in a position to make a statement about their policy regarding the iron and steel industries.
§ Sir W. SmithersMay I ask the Prime Minister whether his request for patience 1521 and delay means that he is beginning to realise that the policy of nationalisation of these industries leads to disaster?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman has been pressing me so much recently on nationalisation that I felt I had to curb his impatience somewhat.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs the Prime Minister aware that the sooner legislation follows the endorsement of the Government's programme by the electors of this country the better the country will be pleased?