S. G. BROWN LIMITED (Hansard, 12 March 1964)

§ Q3. Mr. A. Lewis
asked the Prime Minister when he received the communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, forwarding a request by the shop stewards' committee of S. G. Brown Limited, for the nationalisation of its company; what reply he has made; whether he will give favourable consideration to this request; and if he will make a statement.

§ The Prime Minister
I received the hon. Member's letter on 28th February. The reasons which led the Admiralty to dispose of its interests in S. G. Brown, Limited were explained fully in the House on 25th June, 1959, and I see no reason to consider reversing the action taken.

§ Mr. Lewis
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that prior to the nationalisation of this company there were continuous labour problems and troubles, that when nationalisation came profits were made and there was peace in the company and that since denationalisation there has been a loss and labour troubles? If as a State we are now having to subsidise the company, would it not be best to renationalise it and let the State make a profit out of this company?

§ The Prime Minister
No, Sir. I have already answered the hon. Gentleman's Question. I do not think it would be good policy to renationalise it. Of course, there is a long history behind this, as the hon. Gentleman knows.

§ Mr. Farey-Jones
Will my right hon. Friend express his strong personal disapproval of mischievous and malicious meddling in other hon. Member's divisions, and will he make it clear that the happiness and well-being of the residents of West Ham would be better served if their hon. Member devoted his time and attention to their interests and not to those of other hon. Members' constituents?

§ Mr. Speaker
Question No. 4. Mr. Robinson.

§ Mr. Lewis
On a point of order. Is it not the case that the Table, under your guidance, Mr. Speaker, decides which Questions are in order? Since I have a trade union interest—[Interruption.]—in this question, was it not in order for me to submit any Question to the Table, particularly when the hon. Member for the division is afraid to represent the interests of his trade unionists?

§ Mr. Speaker
The point of order is whether or not the Question was in order. It was in order, or it would not be on the Order Paper.