STATE-MANAGED BUSINESSES.

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1921, Page 6

STATE-MANAGED BUSINESSES.

DO THEY MAKE PROFITS LOSSES?

"I want to take this opportunity to says a few words in favour of the nationalisation of industries," said the Leader of the Labour Party (Mr H. E. Holland), when ,the Imprest Supply Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives last week. Mr land mentioned for the enlightenment of members of the House that nationalisation was not the same thing as socialisation, and proceeded to speak at some length concerning the State enterprises that have been instituted by Labour Governments in Australia. He insisted that these enterprises had been great successes. Mr T. W. Rhodes (Thames) quoted figures from a report of the AuditorGeneral of New South Wales to show that a net loss of £150,000 had been .the result of the operations of the State trading concerns in that State. Mr Holland retorted by quoting I laxg': profits made by particular State ventures in New South Wales. Mr Massey said he had listened with interest to the case for State industries. But there was another side than that which Mr Holland had given. He cited losses made on State fisheries and brick works in New South Wales in the year 1916. Mr Holland: My figures are for 1920. Mr Massey: Then more losses have probably accumulated. Mr Holland: No; profits. Mr Massey quoted furtheor- figures bearing on State enterprise. He declared his firm conviction that .the State could not run industries £0 efficiently as private enterprise. Mr Holland said that the figures of the Prime Minister were five years out of date, and those of the member for .Thames two years out of date. The big losses on' State trawlps were made during the :tcnn of the so-called National Government. The Storey Govorrment had been 'able to make thorn show a profit, if only a small one. Sympathetic management had made. State industries pay which had shown losses in ur .-ympathetic hands.