HC Deb 28 November 1945 vol 416 cc1331-3
Mr. Eden

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make on the progress of the negotiations between the two sides of the docks industry.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

At the outset of the negotiations, the problems of decasualisation were much in the minds of both parties, but there was a wide difference of view as to the basis on which the present discussions should proceed. I am happy to say that these differences were dealt with in the negotiations, and a basis reached which, subject to acceptance by a National Delegate Conference of the Unions concerned, will narrow the problem to the single question of the national minimum wage and the minimum guarantee to piece workers. A new basis of calculation for the piece worker has been discussed and tentatively agreed, and arrangements have been reached for dealing with the important problems affecting the future of the industry. This measure of agreement which, as I have already stated, is subject to ratification by a National Dock Delegate Conference, is contained in a document an abstract from which, with the permission of the House, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As announced yesterday, the unions found the employers' offer on the national minimum wage to be unacceptable. This offer, I am empowered by the employers to say, was for an increase from 16s. to 18s. a day. After careful consideration of all the cricumstances and of the great issues involved, I have decided to appoint a committee of investigation under the Conciliation Act to consider, in the light of the circumstances and on the basis of the document which I am circulating, the outstanding difference in regard to the national minimum wage and the piece workers' minimum guarantee, and to make recommendations. With the issue so narrowed, there is reason to hope that a report should be available at a very early date.

Mr. Eden

While thanking the Minister for his full statement, might I ask him within what time he hopes, or how quickly he hopes, that this report will have results, because I know he understands how urgent the timetable is?

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir. The issue, while of great importance, is now a very narrow one. It is a question of how many shillings. We are proceeding immediately to appoint the committee, and it is our hope and belief that they should be able to reach a decision and report within two or three days. We will make an effort to that end.

Mr. Logan

As I have a Question down for next Tuesday, I am anxious to know whether the Minister will have any further information at the weekend? Will it be possible for him to give any further information on Tuesday?

Mr. Isaacs

I cannot be any more definite than I have been. Knowing what my hon. Friend has in mind about functions likely to take place over the week-end, I am hopeful that early next week we shall be able to report complete agreement.

Mr. McAdam

In view of the delicate state of negotiations, will my right hon. Friend take steps to see that the Press, particularly the "Daily Mail," do not publish the scare stories they have published on this matter?

Mr. Isaacs

I used to help to print newspapers. I would not like to be engaged now in stopping them.

Mr. Gallacher

In the event of the failure of an imediate settlement will the Minister lay down conditions under which the dockers should be employed?

Mr. Speaker

As I recently told an hon. Member on the other side of the House who began a question, "In the event of," that is obviously hypothetical and not in Order.

Mr. Gallacher

It is a very serious situation which exists.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member asked a hypothetical question and I stated that it was out of Order.

Mr. Gallacher

I will not ask a hypothetical question. I will ask the Minister if he will now lay down conditions under which the workers will be employed while negotiations go on.

Mr. Isaacs

I will not interfere with the running of the machinery.

Following is the abstract referred to: