HC Deb 26 April 1988 vol 132 cc212-3

4 pm

Mr. Eric S. Heffer (Liverpool, Walton)

On a point of order Mr. Speaker. In reply to a question from her right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Brittan) the Prime Minister referred to events taking place in Dover arising out of the P and O dispute. Has there been any sign from the Secretary of State for Transport or from the Secretary of State for Employment that there is likely to be a statement made tomorrow on that issue? If the matter is not resolved in an intelligent way, the lives of many people could be put at risk because they could be sailing on ships which are not properly manned and which are not subject to trade union agreement. That could lead to difficulties.

The Herald of Free Enterprise—a misnomer if ever there was one—sank because profit was put before the interests of people. Is it not clear that a statement should be made at the earliest opportunity because people's lives are at risk? It is time that we had a proper settlement of these matters through trade union machinery, rather than the imposition of employers' rights as against those of the workers.

Mr. Speaker

I have received no request for a statement to be made and have no knowledge of one. I am sure that what the hon. Gentleman has said will have been heard by those on the Government Front Bench who are responsible for these matters——

Mr. Dennis Skinner (Bolsover)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker——

Mr. Speaker

Order. I am on my feet. I am sure that what the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Mr. Heffer) has said will have been heard and perhaps we shall hear something tomorrow.

Mr. Skinner

My point of order has to do with the way in which you, Mr. Speaker, were able a few days ago to grant an emergency debate on the social security regulations. It is widely recognised that you did a pretty handsome job by allowing that debate and opening up an argument that needed opening up. I suggest, in view of what has already been said about what is occurring at Dover, that you might look kindly on the possibility of an application under Standing Order No. 20 on this issue to stop P and O using ferries without proper safety measures ——

Mr. Speaker

Order. I have received no application on that matter.

Mr. David Shaw (Dover)

rose——

Mr. Speaker

Order. I call the hon. Gentleman, but his point of order must be a different one.

Mr. Shaw

Further to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. If at any stage it was deemed appropriate for a Minister to make a statement, although safety is obviously of paramount importance to the company and the employees who have accepted the opportunity to work, I hope that such a statement will not be obfuscated by inaccuracies and false statements from Opposition Members. I hope that the Home Secretary or the Secretary of State for Employment, will, when making the statement, discuss the freedom and rights of the people and seamen of Dover to go to work in their own time and in their own way.

Mr. Speaker

This is not the time to debate this matter.

Mr. Graham Riddick (Colne Valley)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

Not now; I am on my feet.