§ 28. Mr. Marplesasked the Minister of Supply what principles guided him, and what considerations he had in mind, when he refused to segregate the structural engineering activities of Dorman Long and Company in the event of nationalisation.
§ Mr. J. FreemanMy right hon. Friend made a full statement of the principles he would follow in considering proposals of this kind during his speech on the Second Reading of the Iron and Steel Bill on 15th November, 1948. In this case he did not consider the company's proposals fulfilled the conditions he then laid down.
§ Mr. MarplesWill the Minister look at this matter again, because if the Government adhere to their decision it will mean that in carrying out extensive trading political considerations, instead of trade considerations, may enter into it?
§ Mr. FreemanThat is a factor which is taken into consideration, among many others. This is one of the conclusions which the Government came to, and I think they must stand by it.