§ 20. Mr. O'GRADYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Dockers' Union has submitted proposals to the London shipowners for an increase of 2d. per hour in their wages to meet the increased cost of living, and that the shipowners refuse to meet the men's representatives; whether he is aware that the Government Committee recently appointed to obviate disputes during war time has also been approached in this matter, and has replied that it is outside their terms of reference and should be submitted to the Board of Trade; and whether, seeing that the men's union is willing to have arbitration on the questions at issue, thus responding to the Prime Minister's appeal, what steps it is proposed shall be taken to bring the parties involved together with the view of an amicable settlement, or to what tribunal, if any, can the matter be referred?
Mr. RUNCIMANI am glad to say that I have arranged for a meeting to take place to-morrow between representatives of the shipowners using fixed berths in the docks of the Port Authority and of the dock labourers in their employ. I understand that the men will be represented by four of their number and two officials of the Dockers' Union.