§ 49. Mr. Hobsonasked the Prime Minister if he will now give instructions to Ministers responsible for nationalised industries to answer Questions about matters arising in the annual reports and accounts of the appropriate industries.
§ The Prime MinisterAs the hon. Gentleman will be aware, this question has been frequently considered. I do not, however, think that any change in the rules in regard to Questions about the nationalised industries is called for.
§ Mr. HobsonWould the Prime Minister look at this Question again, because it really is becoming most important, particularly with regard to the accounts of Cable and Wireless where, on page 19, there is shown the revenue from subsidiary companies, and it is impossible to find out which are the subsidiary companies, even by reference to the Schedule to the Act? Will the right hon. Gentleman look at this matter again?
§ The Prime MinisterI have sympathy with any Question which the hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. Hobson) puts, because it is always a carefully considered one. If we are able to have a debate, which, if time allows, we should like to have, it would be useful if that point could be discussed.