HC Deb 31 October 1912 vol 43 cc565-6
72. Mr. CARR-GOMM

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will refuse to give his assent to the by-law passed by the Port of London Authority with reference to the issue of licences to lightermen without a full inquiry into the facts of the case, in view of the fact that the state of the labour market in the Port of London is only now recovering from the state of affairs caused by the transport workers' strike?

76. Sir WILLIAM BULL

asked if the right hon. Gentleman is now in a position to state whether he intends to hold a public 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?

77. Mr. CROOKS

asked what is proposed to be done with regard to the new by-law of the Port of London Authority concerning the issue of licences to lightermen, and to the representations he has received from the Watermen's and Lightermen's Society on the matter?

Mr. BUXTON

The by-laws have been submitted by the Port of London Authority to the Board of Trade for confirmation under the Port of London Act. They have been advertised in accordance with the statutory requirement; with the result that representations have been received by the Board, both for and against their confirmation. It is clear from an examination of the representations that have been made that the question submitted to the Board of Trade involves a number of considerations of an important and complex character, including amongst others the commercial interests and convenience of the riverside and business communities, the safety of navigation, the sufficiency or otherwise of the supply of lightermen, and the probable effect of the by-law on existing interests, and on the conditions of employment of labour. In order, therefore, that the Board of Trade may be in a position to deal with the matter, I have decided to avail myself of the powers conferred by the Board of Trade Arbitrations Act, 1874, and to order a public inquiry into the question of the confirmation or otherwise of the by-law, at which all parties interested can be heard. The inquiry will be conducted by a tribunal consisting of three persons whose names I hope shortly to be able to announce.