HC Deb 29 November 1955 vol 546 cc2118-9
47. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Prime Minister if he will move to amend the order of reference of the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries in order to enable the Committee to perform the function for which it was set up.

52. Mr. Grimond

asked the Prime Minister what further proposals he has to establish better Parliamentary control over the nationalised industries in view of the recent Report of the Select Committee; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

The circumstances arising from the Special Report of the Select Committee are under consideration. A statement will be made in due course.

Mr. Donnelly

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the specific point which made the position of the Select Committee impossible, namely, the stumbling block of the day-to-day administration? It is essential that this should be cleared up.

The Prime Minister

Yes, I will bear that in mind.

Mr. Renton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Select Committee was set up by the last Parliament, which stated its terms of reference, that we have already gone some way into this Parliament without the Select Committee being able to do anything, and will he therefore bear in mind the need for dealing with this matter with reasonable dispatch?

The Prime Minister

We have just had this Report brought to the attention of the Government, and I hope that we shall be making an announcement about it very soon.