§ Mr. Alfred Robens(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour if he has any further statement to make about the lighterage dispute in the London Docks.
§ The Minister of Labour (Sir Walter Monckton)Yes, Sir. I met representatives of the employers and of the Lightermen's Union this morning at a joint conference and as a result I am happy to inform the House that the Union representatives will now recommend to their executive that there should be full resumption of normal working as soon as possible. I have just been informed that the executive have now unanimously endorsed a resolution for a full resumption at 6 o'clock tomorrow morning.
§ Mr. RobensWhile I am sure that the whole House will welcome the statement made, may I ask if the right hon. and learned Gentleman can say whether food ships now awaiting discharge, and those due to arrive, will, in fact, be discharged in time for the Christmas trade?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI cannot give that assurance because I have not full information as to the state of the matter since this morning.