HC Deb 24 April 1956 vol 551 cc1612-3
45. Mr. Palmer

asked the Prime Minister if he is now able to make a statement about the Government's policy in relation to the Report of the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries.

46. Mr. Grimond

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of recent developments in Government policy, he will now move to amend Standing Order No. 16 so as to provide an increased number of allotted days, the increase to be reserved for debates on the nationalised industries.

The Prime Minister (Sir Anthony Eden)

A statement of the Government's policy in relation to the Special Report of the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries will be made within the next few weeks. As I informed the House on 8th December, I do not think that to increase the number of allotted Supply days would provide the right answer to this particular problem.

Mr. Palmer

Would not the Prime Minister agree that the Government are taking a very long time over a matter upon which the Conservative Party once had very decided views? Does "a few weeks" mean before the summer Recess?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that the hon. Gentleman should complain if we take longer to make up our minds, if the final result is likely to be agreeable to him when it emerges. I hope that I shall be able to make a statement before the Whitsun Recess.

Mr. Grimond

As it is now the policy of the Government to finance the nationalised industries directly from the Treasury it makes it all the more necessary that the House of Commons should have some control over these industries. At present we have little or none: some of their reports and activities have not been debated for years. If the suggestion in my Question is not acceptable, will the Prime Minister consider setting up a Standing Committee to watch over them?

The Prime Minister

I think the hon. Gentleman is referring to the Report of the Select Committee. His point is perfectly fair, and there is great force in it. All I suggest is that we should make known to the House our decision on this Report and then we can debate, if necessary, the conclusions we have come to.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the Prime Minister have consultations with the Trades Union Congress before coming to a conclusion on this matter and bringing it to the House?

The Prime Minister

I am inclined to think that our consultation should be with the House first.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Is not the Trades Union Congress vitally interested, because any change may affect the normal arrangements between the management and the workers of the nationalised industries? Will he consider its views if they are sent to him?

The Prime Minister

I am not going to do anything rough or revolutionary about this. We want to serve the House in what is a very complicated and difficult matter.