Towards Socialised Industry

Abstract

Effective industrial policy can only be achieved if a variety of forms of common ownership are developed. This will require the introduction of new organisational structures and operational rules; the ‘primary purpose’ of the commonly-owned industries will vary and different patterns will be required for different purposes. A blanket approach is no longer appropriate. The socialisation of industry must therefore be undertaken against a background of change. Changes are needed if public-sector industry is to meet the challenges posed by an advanced society and this must be seen as an opportunity to give positive benefits to consumers, workers and the community.

With socialists it is not a question of ‘socialising’, at one blow or in any way, the whole of industry, and all services, but of providing the most advantageous form of administration for each industry or service, as, one after another, each passes from capitalistic to public ownership and control. [Sidney and Beatrice Webb: A Constitution for the Socialist Commonwealth of Great Britain]