HC Deb 27 April 1965 vol 711 c198
9. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Minister of Technology what proposals he has for the telecommunications industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Cousins

I have arranged for studies of this industry to be set in hand, but I am not yet ready to make any specific proposals.

Mr. Morrison

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that at the moment there is some confusion about where his responsibility ends and that of the Postmaster-General begins? Can he inform the House where his responsibility for telecommunications ends and that of the Postmaster-General begins?

Mr. Cousins

There is no misunderstanding about where my responsibilities or those of the Postmaster-General start. There are many matters concerning technology which we shall have to discuss jointly. If the question is put differently, I can probably answer it.

Mr. Marples

Is this one of those industries which the right hon. Gentleman considers should be brought under public ownership?

Mr. Cousins

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean telecommunications or the Post Office?

Mr. Marples

Telecommunications. The right hon. Gentleman has asked me a question. My question is whether he believes that the telecommunications industry ought to be brought under public ownership.

Mr. Cousins

We have already said that we shall not make statements on public ownership without fully considering their implications. If they are necessary they will be brought before the House. This is not a question which needs to be answered.