HC Deb 11 May 1965 vol 712 cc262-4
Q4. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to ensure that, when management consultants are asked by Ministers to advise on the workings of Government Departments or nationalised industries, their reports are invariably published.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. Each case must be considered on its merits.

Mr. Lubbock

Does the Prime Minister recall that during the period of office of the last Government very strong criticisms were made from the Labour benches of the failure to publish the Corbett Report on B.O.A.C.? Does he also recall that the main reason given by the present Minister of Aviation for refusing to publish this report not long after he took office was that it contained information which might be of value to competitors? How does this criterion apply to the Government's refusal to publish the McKinsey Report on the Post Office? Is it fear of competition?

The Prime Minister

We have to consider each case on its merits. Normally, I would have a strong predilection in favour of making these reports available wherever they are of public interest, wherever they can reassure the public that everything possible is being done to get the maximum efficiency, whether there is competition, or whether there is monopoly. We do not find the same willingness to consider on their merits the reports of consultants about private monopolies.

Mr. Lubbock

In view of what he has just said, will the Prime Minister reconsider the statement of the Chief Secretary in the debate of the postal services on 30th March when he said that it was not the intention of the Government, as at present advised, to publish the McKinsey Report?

The Prime Minister

I have made it clear that we shall look at the Report when it is ready to see whether it would be appropriate to publish it.

Mr. Woodburn

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the House itself has a Committee on Nationalised Industries and does not need to depend on outside or inside reports?

The Prime Minister

Everyone will agree that for some years the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries has done an extremely valuable job, and a very thorough and probing job by all its members, on particular nationalised industries. It is for that Committee also to put questions about the efficiency and about the work of consultancy services.