BRITISH STEEL NATIONALISATION BILL READ FIRST TIME

Grey River Argus, 29 October 1948, Page 7

BRITISH STEEL NATIONALISATION BILL READ FIRST TIME

Ex-Labour Member’s Criticism

LONDON, October 27.

The Iron and Steel Bill was formally read a first time in the House of Commons this afternoon.

Mr Ivor Thomas, who resigned from the Labour Party yesterday, told the House to-day that he thought that to bring in the Nationalisation of Iron and Steel Bill at the present time was a “wanton, reckless act”. He said that doubts had grown in his mind in the past three years as to some Ministers’ intentions and competence. 'He was also disturbed at the immense gathering of power in the State’s hands. He said planners were planning a country “fit for zeros to live in”. ' The Government had created a paradise for football pools and bucket shops. A Labour member, Dr H. Morgan, shouted: "You dirty dog”. . • The Speaker made Dr Morfl&.n withdraw the remark.

Captain G. Thornycroft (Conservative) said he beliie’ved Mr Thomas’ speech represented the view of hundreds of thousands who at the last election had voted Socialist. The electors had then really believed the Socialist Party was concerned with individual liberty.