§ 37. Mr. Proctorasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will set up a committee to consider the management and control of large-scale private enterprise, and to report to what extent the national interest is protected by the present methods of control and management by boards of directors and the interests of the workers are adequately considered, how far it is desirable that the organised workers should be represented on the boards of management of private industry, and what effect there is on privately controlled large-scale enterprises by take-over bids.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNo, Sir.
§ Mr. ProctorDoes the hon. and learned Gentleman realise that under the present management and control in some of our large-scale private industries we are being led straight to disaster? Does he not think that the present system, which vests complete control in managements which are prepared to use workers to the full in times of prosperity but will throw them on the scrap heap immediately trade slackens off, is wrong? Does he not realise that a new and dynamic force, which can come only from the workers, is needed in British industry? Has he read today's Daily Express, which calls for an inquiry into one great enterprise, B.S.A., by the President of the Board of Trade, and will he reconsider his decision and hold such an inquiry?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI have not read the article about the B.S.A., but it would obviously be directed to a subject different from that dealt with in the Question. On the generality of the matter, the Government, as the hon. Gentleman is 202 aware, welcome machinery for joint consultation, and there already exists very elaborate and extensive machinery for this purpose.