§ 46. Mr. Austinasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider setting up under governmental authority an inquiry into industry for the purposes of assessing potential export prospects in major industries, identifying units in industry unwilling to co-operate in this direction, and surveying and reporting on large-scale industrial establishments, both privately and publicly owned, not being fully utilised in the national interest, and on other correlated issues bearing on the export trade.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)No, Sir. Government Departments concerned with particular industries are in constant touch with them about their export prospects and the ability of individual firms to take advantage of export openings. Departments are also giving industries every possible help to expand their export capacity.
§ Mr. AustinWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind, in consideration of the matters raised in this Question, that where appeals and exhortations have been made to certain sections of private enterprise over four years there has been little or no response, and will he now replace those with economic sanctions which may affect the profit-making sectors concerned and make them understand the vital needs of the industry?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is another question.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonIs the Prime Minister not aware that accusations of this sort are being hurled about in a rather irresponsible manner by his Ministerial and other colleagues, and would it not be fairer to the individuals, interests and firms concerned if these charges could be either set at rest or authenticated?
§ The Prime MinisterThat would be an entirely different question.
§ Mr. NicholsonNot at all.