§ 21. Mr. Priceasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has taken any steps, as recommended by the Select Committee on National Expenditure, Sixteenth Report, to appoint small committees at the ports where schemes are in operation for the decasualisation and better control of dock labour, with a view to enquiring into the working of these schemes in practice?
§ Colonel LlewellinAn inquiry has been held into the operation of the scheme at one group of ports and constant touch is maintained with its operation at other ports. In these ways we have already given effect to the intention of the recommendations to which my hon. Friend refers.
§ Mr. PriceCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the report was satisfactory, and whether the report on these ports where the inquiry has taken place is satisfactory in regard to the working of these schemes?
§ Colonel LlewellinThe report of the people we sent up there drew attention to certain points in the scheme that needed alteration. We have taken steps to effect these alterations. I think that, on the 1388 whole, a new scheme of this sort must be given a certain breathing period in which to get going, when, for the first time in their lives, you are getting a large number of dockers to come in, not just when they like, but at any time they are called upon.