HC Deb 10 May 1951 vol 487 cc2126-8
6. Mr. Bevins

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the notice issued by the Port of Liverpool Dock Labour Joint Committee reminding dockers of their responsibilities under agreements; whether this notice was authorised by the National Board; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robens

The Dock Labour Joint Committee comprising representatives of employers and workers and covering Liverpool and Birkenhead have, in pursuance of the National Agreement of February last, been considering a number of matters relative to the efficient working of the ports and issued a notice on Thursday last informing the men of an agreement that had been reached relative to certain working conditions. The Joint Committee had full authority to deal with these matters, and the notice did not require the authorisation of the National Board. One condition in particular was that men continuing work on a ship should attend at the mustering place at 7.55 a.m. for 8 o'clock start. On Tuesday last a number of men at Birkenhead presented themselves after 7.55 a.m. and were refused permission to start work. This has led to a stoppage which today involves some 1,950 men.

It is apparently contended, on behalf of the men involved, that they should not be required to muster before starting time, but I understand that the earlier time for mustering is essential if work is to commence punctually. In refusing to comply with the requirement the men are in breach of agreement. The basis of their contract with the employers is that in return for a guaranteed four hours' pay the men shall give a full four hours' work if required.

I regret that this dispute should have developed. It is in the common interest of the men and the employers operating in the port that work on ships should proceed with all possible speed and that delays and losses due to unpunctuality and bad time-keeping should be eradicated. Refusal to co-operate in reasonable measures to this end cannot be justified. A continuation of this stoppage will only mean unnecessary loss to all concerned at a time when, in the public interest, smooth working at our ports is essential.

Mr. Bevins

In view of the continual and protracted friction existing at Liverpool, Birkenhead and Manchester Docks, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that now is the time to try to get at the bottom of these troubles and recast the whole basis of the National Dock Labour Scheme?

Mr. Robens

As the hon. Gentleman will perhaps recollect, a sub-committee of inquiry was set up to go into the whole question of conditions at the docks. I think we should await that report before we make up our minds.

Major Guy Lloyd

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the great length of the reply, which I do not for a moment dispute was necessary, would it not have been better if the Minister had dealt with this at the end of Questions?

Mr. Speaker

Not in this case, because the facts of a dispute should be made public. I do not think it is a waste of time.

Major Lloyd

I said "at the end of Questions," Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

There are Private Notice Questions coming then, and we are limited in time as there is an important debate to follow.

Mr. Keenan

Is the Minister aware that the local position is somewhat aggravated by the fact that over a long period of years the employers themselves have not initiated some measure of discipline on the lines now suggested? Is he also aware that this position is being aggravated even by Questions of this kind, and by what appears in some of the Press? For instance, the "Daily Express" of last Monday was disgraceful; it was simply trying to stimulate the dockers not to work under the new conditions.

Mr. Robens

I am certain that no hon. Gentleman would want in this House to make conditions such that a peaceful settlement of these disputes would be impossible.