HC Deb 10 November 1952 vol 507 cc570-1
10. Mr. P. Roberts

asked the Minister of Supply on what date he constituted for the first time the Heavy Electrical Plant Consultative Council; and on what date Mr. Frank Foulkes became a member of that body.

Mr. Sandys

This advisory body was first constituted by the Ministry of Fuel and Power in 1944 under the name of Heavy Electrical Plant Committee. In 1946, it was transferred to the Ministry of Supply. Between 1950 and 1952 its meetings lapsed. However, at the request of the industry, I reconstituted it in May last. Mr. Foulkes has been a member since 1947.

Mr. Roberts

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that if a trade union elects a Communist as their representative, then that trade union cannot and, in fact, does not expect the same representation from that person as they would get from someone whose loyalty was entirely directed to this country? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh !"] I repeat, whose loyalty was directed entirely to this country. May I ask my right hon. Friend, secondly, whether he will issue a directive that Communists should not sit upon this important body?

Mr. Sandys

I have no more love for Communists than my hon. Friend but, obviously, if there is a committee, all members sitting on it must enjoy the same status. In the second part of his question my hon. Friend is raising the broader issue of whether Communists should serve on Government advisory committees or not. That goes beyond the scope of the Ministry of Supply.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Committee was asked, at the time it was set up, to help to produce electrical plant quickly to meet the urgent demands at that time, and that all the trade unions and employers associated with this Committee played their part in making the necessary acceleration without any distinction?

Mr. Sandys

I have no doubt that what the right hon. Gentleman says is correct. This question is, of course, a matter for the trade unions rather than for the Government.

Mr. Callaghan

Has the Minister any evidence at all that the loyalty of this gentleman is in question? If not, should not the allegation be refuted?

Mr. Sandys

I do not know that any allegation has been made except that he is a member of the Communist Party. I do not believe he has himself disputed that.

Mr. Callaghan

May I repeat the allegation, namely, that the hon. Member who asked the question alleged that this man's loyalty does not lie fully to this country? That is a serious allegation to make. Is there any evidence for it?

Mr. Roberts

Is it not a fact that all Communists must have a dual loyalty, one to this country, the other to Moscow?