State Cannot A lter Nature
Page 50
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STUDENTS of industrial .politics are is-)recommended to read a new book, " Nationalization in Practice," by John Lotighurst, of "The Aeroplane." Air transport was nationalized in 1940, and of the industries taken over by the State in recent years, it has the longest history of public ownership. It is, therefore, possible to study the effects objectively and to learn from them.
The author attributes special importance to staff problems in a nationalized undertaking. "Whatever may be the difference in the financiirl backgrounds of a public and a private enterprise," he says, "the basic human problems of both systems are similar. Indeed, under public monopoly they are greater because every man and woman in the industry is responsible to a single employer. The fundamental human need for self-expression and the outlet
for initiative is often ski:shed automatically in a multiple syStern of free enterprises. Human nature cannot be altered to fit nationalization. Those who believe the contrary are deluding themselves, and in the process, they are laying up a store of trouble for future generations."
John Longhurst divides his book into two parts. In the first he traces 10 years of nationalization, and in the second he analyses the lessons to be learned from it. They are worth careful consideration by all who are affected by the acquisition of road transport by the State. "Nationalization in Practice" was published this week by Temple Press Ltd., at 12s. 6d. (13s. by post), and is obtainable froth the publishers at Bowling Green Lane, London, E.C.1, or from any bookseller or bookstall.