§ 11. Mr. Thorneasked the Minister of Labour whether he has examined the memorandum sent to him by the London dockers and stevedores concerning the transfer system, which contains twelve questions; and what he intends doing about the matter?
§ Mr. BevinThis memorandum has not been sent directly to me, but I have seen a copy, and I note that it is not sponsored by a trade union. The questions raised in it are of the kind which could be brought by a trade union before the recognised joint machinery in the industry, and that is the proper course to take. I may say that meanwhile a number of points arising in connection with the transfer of dockers are already being discussed in accordance with the recognised procedure.
§ Mr. ThorneIs my right hon. Friend aware that the document was presented to me by a delegation of dockers and stevedores from the London area?
§ Mr. BevinIt is quite true it was presented to my hon. Friend by a delegation of dockers, but I do not think it was passed to him by the executive of a union.