§ 34. Sir R. Aclandasked the Minister of Labour the percentage of unemployment amongst tally clerks in the London docks for the most recent four months for which figures are available.
§ Sir W. MoncktonIn the four months ended 30th May, 1953, the average daily surplus was 81 per cent. of the total number of tally clerks on the London Register.
§ Sir R. AclandWill the Minister watch the changing situation carefully, particularly in so far as alleged temporary shortages are offered as a ground for further recruitment? Would he or somebody else on his behalf inquire particularly as to whether the alleged shortages are not being aggravated, or even caused, by the curious habit of representatives of firms in the docks keeping men on pay even when they have no work for them to do?
§ Sir W. MoncktonAs to the last part of the hon. Gentleman's question, I am sure he knows that happens not only in this part of the labour field. As to the first part of his question, I am constantly watching the changes and during the three weeks ended 6th June last the percentage of men surplus to requirement dropped to 1.7 per cent. and in the last week of all there is practically no surplus at all. Nevertheless, I have to be careful to see that one is not misled by temporary changes either way.
§ Sir R. AclandWould not the position have been much better if the labour force had been fully employed, as it could be if there were discussions between the owners and representatives of the men in order to secure the better use of the men, before agreeing to further recruitment?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI shall continue to do what I can to ensure that such discussions take place.