HC Deb 28 October 1912 vol 43 cc40-1
88. Sir WILLIAM BULL

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he proposes to hold an inquiry into the by-law recently passed by the Port of London Authority with reference to the lightermen; and, if so, will he give the terms of reference to the House?

89. Sir H. CARLILE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the new Port of London by-law affecting the employment of lightermen has been laid before him; and whether, in that case, he will be able to notify his decision with regard to it at an early date in order to allay the uneasiness which exists with respect to the outlook for the trade of the Port of London?

95. Mr. CROOKS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received representations from the Watermen's and Lightermen's Society with regard to holding a public inquiry into the proposed new by-law of the Port of London Authority regarding the issue of licences to lightermen; and will he state what action it is proposed to take?

Mr. BUXTON

The by-law has been submitted by the Port of London Authority to the Board of Trade for confirmation, and has been advertised in accordance with the statutory requirement, with the result that representations have been received by the Board, both for and against its confirmation. I am considering the next step to be taken and will announce my decision in the course of a few days.

90. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Port of London Authority are boycotting at least 400 men since the settlement of the transport workers' strike; and if he will make representations to the Port Authority about the matter, with a view of preventing workmen being victimised?

Mr. BUXTON

I have no jurisdiction in the matter, but I am informed by the Port of London Authority that they have not boycotted any men since the settlement of the transport workers' strike.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men are being hit in a double capacity; in the first place, they are refused employment; and, in the second place, their wages have been kept from them since the strike? Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Port Authority to take them on, as some of the men are absolutely starving?

Mr. BUXTON

I have no jurisdiction in the matter, but if my hon. Friend gives me any facts within his knowledge, I will convey them to the Port of London Authority.