HC Deb 17 February 1960 vol 617 c1275
30. Mr. A. J. Irvine

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will ensure that, upon the request of an hon. Member, sufficient particulars will be furnished to him by the National Dock Labour Board to enable him to satisfy himself, with reference to any particular case, that like penalties are imposed for like offences by a local board or confirmed by an appeals tribunal under the Dock Workers (Regulation of Employment) Scheme.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Edward Heath)

Under the Dock Workers (Regulation of Employment) Scheme, 1947, the National Dock Labour Board is responsible for the administration of the Scheme and I have retained no control over day-to-day business. I could not, therefore, comply with such a request.

Mr. Irvine

Will the right hon. Gentleman go the distance of acknowledging that the best way to dispel suspicion in this kind of matter is to reveal the relevant information, that it is desirable to get away from the atmosphere of the secret court, and that hon. Members can give assistance in this regard?

Mr. Heath

There is machinery laid down for dealing with disciplinary cases in which there are appeals tribunals with independent members, and, if necessary, a case can then he taken on, I understand, by various processes to the High Court. I think that such disciplinary processes should be able to deal with these matters.

Mr. Irvine

Will not the right hon. Gentleman go a little further than that and recognise the public advantage which exists in the fact that proceedings in the ordinary courts of law are widely publicized, and would he not say that the same principle should apply to tribunals of this kind?

Mr. Heath

I am certainly willing to examine that point.