IS IT MONOPOLY

Grey River Argus, 7 April 1943, Page 2

IS IT MONOPOLY

BRITISH AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY. “LONDON, April 5. The action of Sir S. Cripps in taking over the entire shareholding of Short Brothers, and securing a new board of directors is among the subjects engaging public attention in Britain. There is a fairly wide feeling that a further Government statement should be made to clarify Sir. S. Cripps’ action. When Sir S. Cripps was appointed last November, it was stated that Britain’s aircraft production was good, but could be better. in December, he appointed a new managing director for the Fairey; Aviation Company., Then the' English Electric Coy. took over Napier and Sons. Next, the whole of Short’s share capital! was transferred and vested in nominees of the Ministry of Aircraft Production. The result has been some mystification, for Sir s. Cripps has not informed the Commons why he thought it necessary to take this action. There are accusations of axes being ground. It is also asserted that nationalisation is being brought in through a’ side door, and that monopoly is being reinforced. While there is no tendency to criticise Sir S. Cripps personally, he is being pressed to say, with evidence, that his action was necessary and unprejudiced.