HC Deb 09 November 1967 vol 753 cc1249-52
Mr. R. Carr (by Private Notice)

asked the Minister of Labour whether he would make a statement on the position in the London docks.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. R. J. Gunter)

About 5,400 men are at present on unofficial strike in the Port of London out of a total registered dock labour force of over 22,000. This is nearly 500 fewer on strike than a week ago. Twenty-three ships are idle and two partially manned. About 140 are working normally.

The stoppage is confined to the Royal group and the West India and Millwall docks, which are only partially affected. It arises out of a dispute over implementation of certain clauses in the decasualisation agreement, concerning the application, to men temporarily transferred from their own employer to another, of the traditional continuity rule by which men on certain types of work normally remain on a particular job until it is finished.

The officials and lay representatives of the Transport and General Workers' Union and of the National Amalgamated Stevedores and Dockers have agreed upon a common line of clarification of the agreement and the unions are preparing a joint statement for issue to their members. I understand that the employers have indicated that they are ready to discuss this matter with the unions as soon as work is resumed.

This confirms the view which I expressed to the House on 26th October, that any difficulties arising out of the application of the agreements reached by the unions and the employers as part of the decasualisation arrangements can be dealt with through the industry's negotiating machinery.

I hope, therefore, that the men on strike will recognise the desirability in their own interest of an early return to work.

Mr. Carr

While we agree with the Minister's hopes, their fulfilment is tragically long deferred. I am sure that the Minister is aware that the continuation of a substantial strike in the docks gravely affects not only our immediate export deliveries, but our prospects of future export orders.

Therefore, may I ask him whether he is aware that a continuation of the deadlock as a result of unofficial action would cause great dismay in the country and that there is a growing feeling that a new initiative, if possible within the industry, but if necessary by the Government, is becoming increasingly necessary?

Secondly, would he give the House an undertaking that if, unfortunately, the strike is not ended or clearly seen to be ending by the weekend he will make a further statement to the House on Monday?

Mr. Gunter

I immediately give the right hon. Gentleman that undertaking. As he knows, there is a bit of inhibition about even a Welshman speaking too much today because certain initiatives have been taken. There was a significant mass meeting this morning at which there was a certain resolution—I must confess that I do not quite understand it.

Anyhow, the T. and G.W.U. and the "blue" union, now in harmony, are distributing today the initiative which they have taken with the employers. There will be a crucial meeting at 10 o'clock in the morning, and I understand that one is to be arranged for 7.30 on Monday morning. I hope that the fact that they are meeting at 7.30 is significant of something.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

If the Minister expects us to take seriously Government professions about upholding the rule of law abroad, should not they be taking much more seriously steps to uphold the rule of law in the docks at home?

Mr. Gunter

I am not sure what is meant by that. Someone said to me, "Why do you not take more fundamental action?" I do not know what that means. If the hon. Gentleman means what I think he means, I would advise him that to put soldiers into the docks at this time would be no help at all.

Mr. Emery

Most of us have the highest regard for the right hon. Gentleman personally—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Of course we have—but does he realise that we are very concerned that in this unofficial stoppage, which has been going on for much too long for the benefit of the economy, the Government should make their position more clear that they will take positive action if there is not a resumption of work in the immediate future?

Mr. Gunter

I can only repeat that I have spoken as firmly as anybody about the unofficial strike at the London docks and the irresponsibility which is causing so much damage to the economy. The hon. Gentleman should know from his experience that when one talks about doing certain things one should be very careful before getting tough that the very act of toughness does not precipitate something more.

Mr. Mawby

Is the Minister aware that everyone in the House understands all the difficulties in the dock industry and that this is not a simple question? On the other hand, is he aware that the number who are not at present engaged in employment represents about 20 per cent. of the total? Whereas the Government very quickly threatened the use of emergency powers when a rail strike was threatening, in this case it seems that everyone is still hoping and keeping his fingers crossed. Will not the time be reached when the Government have to take action?

Mr. Gunter

I really do not understand the hon. Member. The circumstances of the railway dispute were entirely different. The whole of the economy or the country's freight transport was involved. A percentage of dockers are wrongly on strike. The attitude of the Government is quite clear: that they are irresponsible and that it ought not to occur.

All I say is that in cases like this it is a matter of judgment whether, if this step is taken, the position will be made worse or, if that step is taken, it will be made better. One has to sit back and think very deeply before doing it.