§ Q4. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Prime Minister if the public speech of the First Secretary of State at Aberdeen on 15th October about the proposed Industrial Expansion Bill represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Stratton MillsIs the Prime Minister aware of the very great harm which has been done to the country's industrial and economic recovery by the 836 two tones in which Ministers are speaking about private enterprise? Is he aware that, on the one hand, some Ministers speaking to industry adopt a soothing, friendly attitude while others speaking to trade unions and Socialist bodies adopt most hectoring and abusive attitudes?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, I do not think this was in any sense an abusive speech. In regard to the Industrial Expansion Bill, which was the theme of my right hon. Friend's speech, I explained this last week in tones which I do not think were thought to be against private enterprise, but since this Bill will apply to Northern Ireland—I am happy to tell the hon. Member that—it will be for him to decide whether to move an Amendment to deny to Northern Ireland the benefits of the Bill, and if he does so we shall consider it.