§ 15. Mr. Marplesasked the Minister of Supply whether he will appoint a working party to inquire into the iron and steel industry; and if he will await their report before making any decision on the future of the industry.
§ Mr. G. R. StraussNo, Sir.
§ Mr. MarplesIn view of the record breaking achievements of this privately managed industry, does the Minister consider that it is desirable to disturb the rhythm of production, by nationalisation, or the threat of nationalisation; and will he undertake not to nationalise until and unless an impartial independent technical body, devoid of politicians, has pronounced in favour of it?
§ Mr. StraussNo, Sir. We have all the technical information we require about this.
§ Sir Frank SandersonDoes the Minister consider that this industry is inefficiently run or efficiently run? If the latter, could he state on what basis it is proposed to nationalise the industry?
§ Mr. StraussNo, Sir. I was asked whether we would appoint a working party to inquire into this industry, to which my answer is, "No."
§ Mr. MarplesWill the Minister publish the technical information to which he referred in answer to my supplementary question.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe Question asked whether the Minister would appoint a working party. The supplementary question does not, therefore, necessarily arise.