§ 2.43 p.m.
§ LORD CONESFORDMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in order to clarify the argument and conclusion of the White Paper on Steel Nationalisation [Cmnd. 2651], they will state which nationalised industries they consider efficient and dynamic.]
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, these industries have a fine record for productivity and progress since nationalisation, despite difficult circumstances. Manufacturing efficiency has no fixed or permanent standard; it is this Government's intention that these industries should lead the way to increased national manufacturing commercial growth.
§ LORD CONESFORDMy Lords, may I thank the noble Lord for his Answer, and ask him why he is so coy and evasive? Is he aware that the expression "efficient and dynamic" is used by the Government in the White Paper? If the noble Lord knows what the Government mean by those words could he tell us which nationalised industries display those qualities?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, in view of the remarks made by the noble Lord the Leader of the Opposition, I should find great difficulty in giving satisfaction to the noble Lord. We believe that these industries are efficient, but we cannot in any way be complacent because efficiency tends to change with the new techniques and methods of manufacturing and commerce. But if the noble Lord wishes to raise any particular matter dealing with a particular industry we shall welcome it from this side of the House 6 and shall be happy to debate it with him.
§ LORD CONESFORDMy Lords, while again thanking the noble Lord, perhaps I could ask him this specific question: does he consider the Post Office and British Railways to be "efficient and dynamic"? If he does, would he perhaps answer this question: would a purchaser from the nationalised iron and steel industry be able to get what he wants from that industry as quickly as people can at present get telephones? Does he think that the foreign buyer will be willing to wait so long?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I am neither coy nor evasive; but in view of what the noble Lord the Leader of the Opposition has just said I do not propose to attempt to answer the noble Lord. I merely invite him once again to put it down as an Unstarred Question, and we shall be able to debate it.
§ LORD BLYTONMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the previous question is a sad commentary on the Conservative Party who controlled these industries for thirteen years?
§ LORD SHEPHERDYes, my Lords.