§ 2.58 p.m.
§ Lord HARMAR-NICHOLLSMy 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 what are their plans on the nationalisation of parts of the brewery industry as set out in Labour's Programme 1976 and overwhelmingly endorsed by the Labour Party's Annual Conference.
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, the Government have no plans at present to nationalise any part of the brewing industry.
§ Lord HARMAR-NICHOLLSMy Lords, is the noble Lord in a position to say categorically that he will give the same answer after the next Election, in the unhappy event of his Party still holding office?
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, as I said to the noble Baroness, Lady Ward of North Tyneside, the other day, no Government can commit their successors, or even themselves, in all circumstances and for all time, but I will repeat that the Government have no plans at present to nationalise any part of the brewing industry. I cannot make it any plainer than that.
§ Lord BLYTONMy Lords, is the Minister aware that, during the past three years, the brewing industry have increased the price of their goods eight times? Is he further aware that every six months the balance sheets show an exorbitant profit? Does not the Minister think that, in the interests of the consumer, the brewing industry ought to be nationalised?
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, my noble friend is doubtless referring to the report of the Price Commission on the brewing industry. The question of monopolies has recently been covered in detail during successful discussions between the Minister of Agriculture and the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection on the one hand and the Brewers' Society on the other, following the Price Commission's report on beer prices and margins.
§ Lord CARR of HADLEYMy Lords, does the noble Lord's reply about the Government's policy on this question indicate that the present Government reject the policy of the Labour Party Conference?
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, I do not think the noble Lord can have read the report of the proceedings when I answered the noble Baroness, Lady Ward of North Tyneside, where I spelt out in some detail the difference between a Party programme and a manifesto.
§ Lord CARR of HADLEYMy Lords, with respect, I do not think the noble 1591 Lord has answered my question. I referred to the present Government rejecting the policy; I was not talking about what the policy of a future Government might be.
§ Lord STRABOLGIMy Lords, I did not say anything of the kind. I will repeat what I said to the noble Lord: that he and other noble Lords on the other side of the House must await the Government's manifesto, when that is prepared.
§ Lord SEGALMy Lords, can my noble friend explain how it is that a Party programme issued as long as two years ago has at last got Her Majesty's Opposition on the hop; and is this part of a preconcerted campaign to work up a pre-election fever long before this House adjourns for the Summer Recess?
§ Lord STRABOLGIYes, my Lords. They have probably enlarged their research department. When you have a weak case yourself, always try to attack the other side.