HC Deb 17 February 1966 vol 724 cc1508-9
6. Mr. Marten

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the firms and industries which have been considered for further public ownership or control in the last six months.

Mr. Darling

None, Sir.

Mr. Marten

Will not the powers which the Government hope to take in the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation enable them virtually to nationalise the steel industry, or will they continue with their Bill, as pledged at the General Election?

Mr. Darling

As pointed out in the debate on the White Paper, the I.R.C. will not be used for the purposes the hon. Gentleman suggests. As for the steel industry, I can only say " Wait and see ". Meanwhile, if the hon. Gentleman has any firms in mind which he thinks would operate better under public ownership, we should be glad to look at his suggestions.

Mr. Barber

How does the hon. Gentleman square his original Answer with the express statement by the Minister of Technology in the House of Commons when he said that he had come across a number of sections of industry

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is not in order to quote at Question Time

Mr. Barber

The Minister said that he had come across a number of sections of industry which he would like to bring into public ownership—and he was speaking on behalf of the Government.

Mr. Darling

This Question was directed to the Board of Trade.

Mr. Rose

In view of the concern expressed by the hon. Member for Ban-bury (Mr. Marten), would my hon. Friend perhaps look into the drug industry as possibly the first candidate?

Mr. Darling

That question should be directed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.