HL Deb 29 June 1978 vol 394 cc373-4

3.9 p.m.

Lord ORR-EWING

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the interest of not discouraging new firms and new jobs in areas near to London docks, they will state that they have no intention of reintroducing the Dock Work Regulation Bill.

Lord WALLACE of COSLANY

My Lords, the Dock Work Regulation Act received the Royal Assent on 22nd November 1976. Its outstanding provisions relating to the classification of dock work will be brought into effect when a new Dock Labour Scheme has been approved by both Houses of Parliament. A draft new scheme was laid before both Houses of Parliament yesterday. There is nothing in the Act or the draft new scheme which should discourage new firms from establishing themselves or new jobs being created near to London docks or any other dock area.

Lord ORR-EWING

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that I know of firms whieh have refused to take warehouses and factories in the dock area in the belief that the measures will beeome increasingly restrictive and will force them to employ dock labour within five miles of docks? This may be a misapprehension, and I should be glad if the Government would make it clear that they are not intending to make it difficult to employ ordinary labour and compulsory to employ dockers of the Transport and General Workers. This is an effective discouragement at the moment, and I know of instances where it has discouraged people from moving into these areas.

Lord WALLACE of COSLANY

My Lords, the noble Lord is, or his friends are, under a complete misapprehension. The limit is now half a mile. The limit of live miles was the bone of contention, but it has now been adjusted to half a mile. There is no reason whatever for firms to be afraid of coming in, because there are no restrictions except those of which the noble Lord is aware. Firms should forget their fears and come in because these areas need them to come in, and the nation needs them.

Lord ORR-EWING

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for having made it clear. I hope he will go on making the position clear because it certainly is not widely known at present.