§ 22. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Labour the percentage shortage of workers in London Docks; and what steps are being taken to recruit more workers.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe average daily labour shortage in London Docks during the first three weeks in February was approximately 0.7 per cent. of the number of workers on the Port Register. I understand that the London Dock Labour Board has already recruited 41 new workers and instructed a further 155 to report for duty as soon as they are able to do so.
§ Mr. RussellIs my hon. Friend aware that a constituent of mine recently received some goods which took only 28 days to come from Hong Kong by sea 1429 but took a further 22 days to go from London Docks to Clerkenwell—only five miles? Can that be explained by a shortage of labour, or is there another reason?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI could not answer that question without notice.