§ 24. Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Power if he will give general directions to the nationalised industries for which 17 he is responsible that their manufacturing subsidiaries should compete fairly with the private sector.
§ Sir J. EdenSurely, now that we are witnessing a steady extension of the public sector, the right hon. Gentleman would wish to ensure that the taxpayer's money is not used in such a way as to undermine the interests of successful private enterprise. Will he ensure that nationalised industries, particularly through their subsidiaries, are fully accountable to this House in each year's report?
§ Mr. MarshWe have debated this subject recently at great length. My point is that the present powers are perfectly adequate to control the industry's diversification activities, but the Government expect the nationalised fuel industries which undertake commercial activities to do so in competition with private industry. I can never understand why the defenders of competition complain so bitterly when it is threatened.
§ Dame Irene WardHave any instructions gone from the Minister's Department to the National Steel Corporation about the price of steel, or have any instructions gone from the National Steel Corporation to the companies concerning the price of steel?
§ Mr. MarshThere is no National Steel Corporation and, therefore, it is neither a body which exists to give directions nor a body which has any power over the companies to accept such directions.