§ 2.49 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARDMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when the recommendations in the Devlin Report on the Docks are likely to be implemented.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD CHAMPION)My Lords, I cannot give dates but I can report progress on several fronts. Agreement has been reached in principle on a revision of the Dock Labour Scheme which will introduce a fully decasualised system of employment, and my right honourable friend the Minister of Labour hopes to publish the draft of a new scheme shortly. The Modernisation Committee, which has been set up by the industry under the chairmanship of Lord Brown, is urgently engaged in negotiating the terms and conditions which will apply under a system of permanent employment. The Committee is also considering sick pay and pension arrangements in the industry. A survey of welfare amenities by the Dock Labour Board is nearing completion and legislation on welfare amenities and on a system of licensing port employers will be introduced as soon as possible.
§ VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARDMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply.
§ LORD AIREDALEMy Lords, the noble Lord referred to "a fully decasualised system of employment". Would he translate that into English?
§ LORD CHAMPIONMy Lords, I will consult the noble Lord, Lord Conesford, about this and see whether, together, we can concoct a reply that may satisfy the noble Lord.