HC Deb 22 March 1957 vol 567 cc659-60
Mr. Robens

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the further developments in the shipbuilding and engineering disputes.

The Minister of Labour and National Service (Mr. lain Macleod)

After making my statement of the House yester- day, I saw representatives of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions and then had a further meeting with the shipbuilding employers' representatives. My officers later began separate discussions with the two sides, which continued up to a late hour and were then adjourned until this morning. I am not yet in a position to make any statement about these discussions.

Mr. Robens

I am always glad when I see that discussions are taking place until a late hour. I welcome the statement the Minister has made this morning, which seems quite optimistic. From the Press, one gathers the same optimistic note. I should like to say on behalf of the Opposition that we would not want to press the Minister this morning, but merely hope that his continued efforts will meet with success.

Mr. Lipton

Will the right hon. Gentleman see whether it is possible to have separate and special discussions with the representatives of the dock workers concerned to enable the "Empire Fowey" to dock at Southampton today with 1,200 troops from the Far East? It would be rather a cruel welcome home if the vessel were compelled to anchor offshore and they could not land immediately.

Mr. Macleod

I have not had that problem in mind, but I shall be glad to have a word about it with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation.