The Political Framework

The seemingly endless political controversy which surrounds nearly all aspects of the work of the Nationalised Industries (NIs) inevitably gives observers of the scene considerable pause for thought. Surely, so the argument usually goes, there is a better way of conducting affairs? Should it not be possible for governments and the management of the NIs to form a more harmonious relationship? Cannot the management be given clearer guidelines by ministers and then be left ‘to get on with the job’? Do the appointments and salaries of the NI Board Members have to be the subject of widespread political controversy? Cannot the NIs themselves devise some system of ‘co-ordinated rationality’ which could be to the benefit of all, rather than indulge in regular bouts of in-fighting and mutual recrimination? When will the trade unions realise that an efficient and productive NI is to the benefit of all the community, and that no lasting good can come from the maintenance of restrictive practices and an obdurate refusal to recognise the need for change? Is it not possible for the wishes and needs of the NIs’ customers to be given greater consideration? When will the time come when interests such as those of the environmentalists can be integrated more successfully into the NIs’ decision-making processes, without the need for interminable set-piece public inquiries which cost millions of pounds to stage?