HC Deb 03 May 1951 vol 487 cc1403-4
36. Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the strike at Salford Docks.

Mr. Roberts

This stoppage arises out of the refusal of two men on 23rd April to work overtime on a certain ship being discharged at Salford Docks because of the fact that overtime was not started at the time discharging commenced. They were suspended for three days and although the Dock Labour Scheme gives them a statutory right of appeal, the men declined to exercise that right and trouble developed so that on 26th April, all the men ceased work demanding the reinstatement of the two men and payment to them for their period of suspension.

There was at one time a custom at these docks under which overtime was not worked on any ship unless it had been declared necessary when discharging started. On 5th April, the Port Joint Negotiating Committee agreed that overtime should be worked whenever necessary. This is fully in accordance with the provisions of the Dock Labour Scheme.

I am sure the House will agree that there is often a reluctance to give up a practice to which men are accustomed and it may be that some of the men feel strongly about it. However that may be, the men should recognise that an agreement negotiated through the proper channels must be observed. I hope, therefore, that the men will see the wisdom of getting back to work at once in accordance with the union's advice and allow any matters arising to be properly and fairly considered.

Mr. Hardy

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask him if he can say whether, when the negotiations commence, there will be a prospect of these two men being reinstated to their former jobs?

Mr. Roberts

I should not like to prejudice any negotiations, and at this stage I express the hope that the advice I give to the dockers, through the medium of this answer, to go back and let the machinery work, will be accepted by them.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this is the first occasion upon which these circumstances have arisen since 5th April when the agreement was arrived at, and, if so, is this a test case?

Mr. Roberts

This is perhaps the first occasion on which this matter has been raised.

Mrs. Braddock

Can the Minister say what was done to inform the men that a new agreement had been reached? Is he certain that they had the necessary information?

Mr. Robens

That would be a matter for the appropriate trade union. I am not aware what steps they took to advise their members about the new agreement which had been reached.

Colonel Ropner

Is the Minister aware of the appalling delay in the discharging of ships in many of our ports and harbours?

Mr. Robens

That is another question.