§ 66. Mr. FELLasked the Home Secretary if any progress has been made with the settlement of the lightermen's strike; and, 1320 if not, if any steps have been taken to have other men licensed to work on the lighters for the purpose of enabling the wheat to be conveyed from the ships to the flour mills?
Mr. ROBERTSONI have been asked by my right hon. Friend to answer this question. So far as the Board of Trade are aware no separate negotiations with a view to a settlement have taken place between the master lightermen and their employés since the dispute commenced. The conditions under which licences may be granted to lightermen can only be varied by by-law made by the Port Authority. The Board of Trade have no jurisdiction in the matter unless and until by-laws are submitted to them for confirmation.
§ Mr. FELLMay I ask if any active steps are being taken by the Board of Trade to secure a supply of wheat to the mills?
§ Mr. CARR-GOMMMay I ask if the House will have any opportunity of expressing its opinion on this by-law before any change is confirmed by the Board of Trade?
Mr. ROBERTSONI have answered the question on the Paper. A supplementary question is another matter.