HC Deb 22 July 1965 vol 716 cc1822-3
30. Mr. Hastings

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what guidance his Department has given to other Departments on investment in science-based industry; and on what evidence this guidance was based.

Mr. George Brown

None, Sir; but the national plan to be published soon will contain information about industrial investment and will describe the Government's policy towards it.

Mr. Hastings

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it unwise, if it is possible at all, to produce a national plan for productivity without a view on investment in science-based industry? If the right hon. Gentleman does not give advice to other Departments, does he receive advice from the Ministry of Technology?

Mr. Brown

When the plan is published, the hon. Member will be able to see exactly to what extent this has played a part in formulating the plan for the years ahead. It seems to me that the Opposition are in the same trouble over this as they are over the incomes policy. They have to make up their mind whether or not they want it.

Mr. Hastings

Will the right hon. Gentleman please answer my question? Is he getting any advice, and would he agree that it is impossible to draw up a national plan without formulating a view on investment of this kind?

Mr. Brown

I can only repeat that when the plan is published the hon. Member will be able to see it and see to what extent we have had advice and have given advice and what conclusions we have come to.

Mr. Heath

If the right hon. Gentleman does not know whether or not the national plan will have any relation to science-based industries, can he at least tell us whether, when the plan is published in September, it will be based on the nationalisation of the steel industry, which he has told us is essential for the control of the economy?

Mr. Brown

I welcome the right hon. Gentleman back from the Albany. I have no intention of going further than I have in answer to the Question.

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