HC Deb 06 December 1955 vol 547 cc185-6
29. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now make a statement of the results achieved in reducing and deferring certain capital expenditure of an inessential character, by the nationalised industries, and the sums involved, in accordance with the economic and financial policy announced in July, 1955.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Not yet, Sir; their investment programmes are now being reviewed.

Mr. Nabarro

Yes, but is not my right hon. Friend aware that I have been trying to get some information about this subject for four months? Is he aware that, as the capital investment programme of the nationalised industries is a great deal larger than that of the local authorities, and we have had full information about the local authorities, it is propitious, at least before Christmas, that there should be detailed answers about the capital investment programmes of the nationalised industries?

Mr. Butler

It depends upon whether we have finished examining their investment programmes, which are of great importance to the nation.