§ 15. Major Petherickasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that for some time past a voluntary scheme of exchange of labour for the purposes of economy in its use has been in operation in the ports of Fowey, Pax and Charles-town; and for what reason, therefore, he is imposing a Government scheme on those ports which will, by the imposition of a levy of 25 per cent. on the cost of all labour, heavily increase the cost to the importer and exporter and consequently to the consumer?
§ Mr. BevinCertain arrangements have been in operation for transfer of labour between ports in Cornwall under casual conditions of employment. They were not consistent, however, with the most efficient and economical use of manpower and I have therefore approved a Dock Labour Scheme under the Dock Labour (Essential Work) Order, 1941, covering the ports mentioned by my hon. 592 and gallant Friend. This is in accordance with my general policy as settled after consultation with representatives of employers and workers in the industry.
§ Major PetherickIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the employers in this particular case have not been consulted and that the voluntary scheme has worked very satisfactorily at these ports, and furthermore, that 25 per cent. of the additional cost of labour does not go to the labouring men who do the work but simply goes to the management of a Government bureaucratic scheme?
§ Mr. BevinNo, Sir, that is not correct. The whole of the money collected in the pool goes to pay the men the make-up wage when they are not working. It is a retainer, and none of it goes to any bureaucrat of any kind.