HC Deb 06 May 1965 vol 711 c211W
Mr. Michael Foot

asked the President of the Board of Trade what study he has made of the desirability of the Government acquiring a controlling interest in private companies with a view to expanding exports, without regard to the maintenance of the customary profit levels; and what difficulties, other than legislatime, there would be in such a procedure.

Mr. Jay

In my study of export prospects I have all practical possibilities in mind. The potential for expansion of exports would no doubt be one of the factors which the Government would keep before them in deciding whether to seek to acquire an interest in private companies; but such companies would have to earn an adequate return on capital employed.