HC Deb 02 July 1936 vol 314 cc582-3
2. Mr. GIBBINS

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the dockers on Merseyside are still signing 11 times a week when unemployed; and will he take steps to secure an alteration?

Mr. E. BROWN

I cannot add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle) on this subject on 21st May last.

Mr. GIBBINS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the committee last met, and when it is likely to report?

Mr. BROWN

If the hon. Member will put that question down, I will give him an answer.

Mr. GIBBINS

This question has been repeated for months, and we have received no satisfaction.

Mr. BROWN

The hon. Member knows that this council is a joint body of employers and workers, and he knows that the question is one of the most difficult and complicated in the whole range of industry. I have no power to put pressure upon them to expedite their inquiries, and I am sure the House would not wish me to do so.

Mr. LOGAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in Liverpool the dockers are travelling four and five miles twice a day?

Mr. BROWN

And the fact that this joint body has taken so long to investigate the problem shows that the problem differs in all the ports, and, as I have said, the question is one of the most difficult and complicated in the whole range of industry.

Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHS

It it not possible for the Minister to put into operation in Liverpool the same system that is in operation in some of the mining areas, where the men sign only twice a week and not 11 times?

Mr. BROWN

The circumstances are entirely different.

Mr. GRIFFITHS

They are bound to be if you do not want to change them.