HC Deb 14 March 1989 vol 149 cc280-1
16. Mr. Wood

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he last attended a meeting of the National Dock Labour Board; and what was discussed.

Mr. Nicholls

My right hon. Friend has never attended a meeting of the National Dock Labour Board.

Mr. Wood

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Is it not clear that the national dock labour scheme acts against the interests of the docks concerned and against the work force in those docks? Surely we should be persuading people working in those docks that it is in their interests to see a change in the scheme or, indeed, its removal.

Mr. Nicholls

I hear what my hon. Friend says and obviously he is supported by a great many of our hon. Friends. The question was about a meeting with the National Dock Labour Board and I doubt that there is much that I can add to that or to the points that my hon. Friend has just put.

Mr. Ernie Ross

Will the Minister reflect on the fact that the national dock labour scheme has brought great stability to the docks and it has also allowed—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Ross

—and it has also allowed the docks to plan their work properly? All the attacks from the Conservative Benches do not help those trying to have discussions within the dock labour scheme about how it can be improved in the best interests of the country and the economy.

Mr. Nicholls

That analysis was so patently absurd that it was hardly supported by any of the hon. Gentleman's hon. Friends.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

May I observe to my hon. Friend that, on this issue, he is beginning to resemble President Botha of South Africa? Nobody in his own party supports him.

Mr. Nicholls

I am grateful to my hon. Friend and if the great wheel ever goes full circle I shall give him my support as well.