§ Q1. Sir R. Nugentasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider appointing a Minister for Nationalised Industries with special responsibilities for increasing their industrial strength and reducing their dependence on the taxpayer.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)No, Sir, no such Minister is necessary.
§ Sir R. NugentIs the Prime Minister aware of the serious concern at the growing interference by Ministers in the commercial policy of nationalised industries for political reasons? Es he aware that this reverses the policy of greater autonomy which was established in 1961 and seriously undermines the successful management of these industries?
§ The Prime MinisterI am aware that we are always being pressed from the opposite side of the House to interfere still more with them. I am also aware that under the Conservative Government, a Secretary of State for the nationalised industries was appointed and it was an unmitigated disaster. I am also aware that the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries, presided over with such distinction by the right hon. Member, never made this recommendation.