Industry Under Fire
To flog a willing horse was always a work of supererogation if nothing worse, and the more intelligent horses have been known to show a resentment at such treantent nicely adjusted to their estimate of the rider's accomplishment. Consequently the com- prehensive attack on the motor industry delivered by Mr. C. N. Shawcross produced an instantaneous display of bucking and biting from the industry's spokesmen which equalled in vigour the original assault. The fact is that in the matters of the development of 1939 models, the variety of types produced in this country, the magnitude of British exports and the vices and virtues of the eight-horse-power car there is much to be said on both sides and it had better be said in an atmosphere of calm and full information. Mr. Woodburn, replying for the Ministry of Supply to Mr. Shawcross, set an example of moderation and good sense. As much cannot be said for Mr. Shinwell's performance at 'Leeds on Saturday, when he reverted to his theme that private industry will only be allowed to operate as long as the Government thinks fit. Now in addition to the fact that the Minister of Fuel's statement has no authority in any published statement by the Government it is doubly irresponsible in that the vast majority of British industry is still in private hands and that critical issues for Britain's economic future will be settled in the next few years—that is, before nationalisation gets going.
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