§ 23. Sir E. Erringtonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the Government's policy of reducing hoarding of labour and over-manning in industry, he will appoint a committee to examine and report on the manning of the nationalised industries.
§ Mr. MacDermotThe efficiency of the nationalised industries is a continuing object of Government policy, and we are considering whether any further measures are needed to stimulate increased productivity, including of course the efficient use of manpower by these industries.
§ Sir E. ErringtonDoes the hon. and learned Gentleman claim, then, that the nationalised industries are free from the faults of private industry, or is he just plainly complacent?
§ Mr. MacDermotI do not think that there was anything complacent in my Answer. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will study what I said.