HC Deb 02 July 1951 vol 489 cc1896-8
48. Mr. Hollis

asked the Prime Minister whether the speech of the Minister of Supply at Margate on 21st June, to the effect that drastic action would be taken against the Iron and Steel Federation if the Federation refused to the Iron and Steel Corporation effective control of purchase of iron ore abroad, represented the policy of the Government.

The Prime Minister

My right bon. Friend was outlining the difficulties facing the Iron and Steel Corporation of Great Britain and the steps it might have to take to overcome them so as to carry out its statutory obligations under the Iron and Steel Act, 1949. The Government naturally wish effect given to the will of Parliament and continue to hope that the Federation will co-operate with the Corporation in reaching a commonsense solution which will avoid the need for any drastic action.

Mr. Hollis

Is the Prime Minister aware that the Minister of Supply accused the Federation of using every device, legal or otherwise? Will he tell the House whether he repudiates that charge on behalf of the Minister of Supply, or whether he supports it?

The Prime Minister

Any question with regard to a statement made by my right hon. Friend can be put to him. I have been asked about the policy of the Government, and I have stated that.

Mr. Hollis

On a point of order. May point out, Sir, that I specifically asked whether I could put that Question to the Minister of Supply and was told I could not because the statement to which I refer was not made in the House? I therefore put the Question to the Prime Minister.

Mr. Eden

Would the Prime Minister tell us what are the measures other than legal which have been taken by the Federation?

The Prime Minister

I did not quite catch that question.

Mr. Eden

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell us the measures other than legal which, according to the Minister, this Federation have taken?

The Prime Minister

I am not aware of that statement.

Mr. Eden

It is a statement which the Minister made and which has been questioned.

The Prime Minister

The Question in which I am interested relates to drastic action.

Hon. Members

We cannot hear.

Mr. Gammans

Now that we have got to the stage where men can be threatened with unspecified punishments for committing unspecified crimes, would it not be as well for the Government to consider opening a concentration camp? Would it not be a good idea to beat people with rubber truncheons to put them in a right frame of mind?

The Prime Minister

I find nothing in this Question about crimes. It is a Question about taking drastic action.

Mr. Chetwynd

Has my right hon. Friend had a request from the Leader of the Opposition for a meeting in order to enable the Opposition to help the Government carry out this Act of Parliament?

Mr. H. Strauss

What importance does the right hon. Gentleman attach to the fact that the occasion chosen for this statement of Government policy was a meeting of a trade union which proceeded to pass a number of Communist resolutions?