HC Deb 22 June 1948 vol 452 cc1126-7
47. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Prime Minister what steps he is taking in order to establish Parliamentary control over the nationalised industries.

The Prime Minister

The basis of the socialisation legislation is that boards of competent persons should, subject to the reservations stated in the Acts, undertake the management of publicly-owned industries and services. Therefore, the hon. Member's assumption of Ministerial responsibility for management matters is in conflict with decisions reached by Parliament. As the hon. Member is aware, the Ministers of parent Departments have statutory responsibility for certain aspects of the work of the nationalised industries and are, therefore, answerable to Parliament on those matters. The scope of Parliamentary Questions about the nationalised industries was defined in Mr. Speaker's statement of 7th June, 1948.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Does that answer mean that the Prime Minister is quite satisfied with the present position? Has he considered the effect on the prestige and position of this House of depriving it of control over large-scale activities of bodies under public ownership?

The Prime Minister

The Government are carrying out the decision of the House of Commons in this matter. The decision was come to after full consideration.

Mr. McGovern

Is the Prime Minister aware that a very large number of people in the Labour movement are perturbed at the passing of power from this House to these boards, in contrast to the method adopted in regard to the Post Office, by which hon. Members have a right to put questions about that Department?

The Prime Minister

This decision was taken by Parliament. It was decided that these industries should be run in a certain way. If it had been decided to run them on the basis of the Post Office, as a Department, the hon. Member would be able to ask questions, but this was a decision taken by Parliament, and the Government must carry out decisions of Parliament.

Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

Is it not time we gave each of these nationalised industries a large degree of self-government, making them answerable to a national council of informed opinion, made up of those with real technical, industrial and commercial experience, and only in the last resort answerable to a Minister in this House?

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is the Prime Minister satisfied with a position in which Questions can be addressed to Ministers about almost every industry owned by a private firm, but not about the industries owned by the people?

The Prime Minister

I have never known that kind of Question asked about a private firm.

Mr. Nicholson

Will the Prime Minister keep his eye on the Order Paper?