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The Attlee governments of 1945 to 1951 nationalised eight industries and organisations, from the Bank of England in 1946 to iron and steel in 1951.
In order: the bank and the planes (Bank of England, civil aviation), coal and cables, transport and power (railways, electricity, gas), then iron and steel.
The earliest nationalisations, enacted in Labour's first full year in office.
Acts passed in 1946, taking effect on 1 January 1947.
The core of the 'commanding heights' programme covering transport and energy infrastructure.
The most contested nationalisation, delayed by the House of Lords and only taking effect just before the government fell.
Can you name them all?
Test yourselfThe Attlee governments of 1945 to 1951 nationalised eight industries and organisations, from the Bank of England in 1946 to iron and steel in 1951.
Bank of England, Civil aviation, Coal industry, Cable & Wireless, Railways, canals and road haulage (inland transport), Electricity, Gas and Iron and steel.
In order: the bank and the planes (Bank of England, civil aviation), coal and cables, transport and power (railways, electricity, gas), then iron and steel.
Each name checked against at least two sources, one of them House of Commons Library - Public ownership of industries and services, on 28 September 2026. Next review by 28 September 2028.
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