§ 36. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Labour how many port workers have been transferred from port to port to facilitate the loading or discharge of vessels; how many were on a daily basis and how many on a period; and if he can state the amount of time that has been saved by this arrangement of transfers.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Harold Watkinson)Between 1st May and 13th June, 1953, there were 72,218 transfers on a daily basis and 91 transfers for longer periods. The work done by these men transferred amounted to approximately 73,200 days. I regret that it is not possible to give any estimate of the amount of time saved, but the National Dock Labour Board always tries to make the best use of its labour force.
§ Mr. AwberyIn view of the condemnation expressed by the hon. Gentleman's supporters when these men were on strike, will he now express his appreciation of their services and the valuable way in which these men are exercising the system of transfer from port to port?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI should be delighted to express my appreciation and that of Her Majesty's Government of the dockers as a whole. We remember how they saved this country in the ports during the war years.