HL Deb 31 July 1963 vol 252 cc1251-2WA
VISCOUNT MILLS

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make a statement on the practice of answering Questions relating to the nationalised industries.

VISCOUNT HAILSHAM

Yes. This matter has been considered by the Ministers who answer for the nationalised industries.

Her Majesty's Government at present are prepared to answer Questions on a Minister's exercise of the power he has to give a general direction in the national interest to a nationalised board, provided that the direction is one of general and not of local application. Her Majesty's Government have not hitherto answered Questions seeking general statistical information.

Against this background Her Majesty's Government have decided to adopt the following practice. They will consider sympathetically giving answers to Questions seeking statistical information on a national basis about a nationalised industry and it is hoped that this will be regarded as a useful improvement.