HC Deb 12 April 1965 vol 710 cc947-9
33. Captain W. Elliot

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will invite the Devlin Committee to consider the events which resulted in a ship called "Port Hobart" sailing from the Royal Group of Docks at London on 27th March, with part of her cargo of meat undischarged when dockworkers refused to unload it.

Mr. Thornton

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Surbiton (Mr. Fisher) on 5th April.

Captain Elliot

I assume that Answer means that the hon. Gentleman intends to do nothing. Does not he think that this episode was a most deplorable advertisement for twentieth century Britain? Would not he agree that it was equally deplorable that the Ministry of Labour remained completely silent and did not condemn the episode?

Mr. Thornton

As I said in my reply on 5th April, this action was deplorable. I repeat that it was deplorable. But now that the facts are known and the incident is past and over it would be a mistake to attempt to stir it up again.

Mr. Ronald Bell

Will not the hon. Gentleman agree that it was also disgraceful that lorries belonging to Low's Transport should be "blacked" because one of the firm's drivers gave evidence for the prosecution? Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the episode is indeed over and than if this firm's lorries should have occasion to go back to No. 6 Shed at King George V Dock there will be no recurrence of this lamentable episode?

Mr. Thornton

I understand that the incident is over and past. Whilst I would not for a moment attempt to justify the action of these dockers, I think it would be a mistake if we did not appreciate the fact that, through the years, there has been a tendency for dockers to have spontaneous strikes on all kinds of issues. That is something which is not peculiar to dockland in the United Kingdom but applies to docks throughout the world, whether New York, Sydney or anywhere else. I hope that that factor will be borne in mind. I repeat that I in no way attempt to justify this episode but we must understand the basic factor of the incredible loyalty that these men have to each other.

Mr. Heffer

Would not my hon. Friend agree that work in the docking industry is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country and that dockers will take due note of the continual attacks being made on them from the other side of the House?

Mr. Thornton

I agree that the unswerving loyalty of these men, difficult though it may be for us to understand, no doubt has its traditions, as in the mining industry, based in the common hazards and the struggles they have had down the years.

Mr. Fisher

As the hon. Gentleman has deplored this regrettable incident, will he give an undertaking that his Ministry will take steps to ensure that it does not happen again with possible future cargoes?

Mr. Thornton

I would be deluding the House if I gave the impression that legislation or any other method could prevent men from striking spontaneously, however misguided their motive might be.