HC Deb 17 February 1947 vol 433 cc794-5
65 and 66. Mr. Solley

asked the Minister of Transport (1) why the s.s. "Clan Cameron" and s.s. "Fort Camosun," which arrived at Tilbury on 11th and 15th January, respectively, were allowed to remain idle for a long period whilst vessels docking later were supplied with labour;

(2) why the s.s. "Fionia" sailed for Antwerp on 21st January after having remained idle at Tilbury for over a week.

Mr. Barnes

I am informed by the Port of London Authority that when the three vessels referred to arrived at Tilbury, there was an acute shortage of dock labour, accentuated by the action of some dock workers in connection with the road transport dispute. The employers concerned were unable. in competition with others, to obtain men immediately for the discharge of these vessels. Certain other vessels which arrived later were more quickly successful in obtaining men. To [educe delay, the owners of the "Fionia" decided to send the vessel to Rotterdam, the port for which the bulk of the cargo was consigned, and to tranship there the cargo intended for London. The two other vessels were discharged at Tilbury.

Mr. Solley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, probably, the real cause for this delay is the fact that the firms responsible for unloading the vessels find it more profitable to unload certain kinds of vessels and, therefore, neglect these vessels to the detriment of our trade and imports?

Mr. Barnes

That, of course, is an expression of opinion. If the hon. Member has any evidence to submit I will look into the matter.

67. Mr. Solley

asked the Minister of Transport what machinery is in operation in the Port of London for determining labour priorities for vessels docking in times of pressure.

Mr. Barnes

I am informed by the Port of London Authority that, when there is a shortage of labour, endeavour is made, through a liaison committee representing the interests concerned, to agree an order of priority for working ships. There is nothing, however, to prevent the employers concerned from calling on labour, or to prevent port workers from offering their services at the call to whichever employer they may choose.

Mr. Solley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is no effective system of allocating priority of labour and that, when emergencies occur, such, for example, as the one which gave rise to the two previous Questions, some vessels are not given their fair allocation of labour, again to the detriment of our trade?