§ 5. Mr. Sargoodasked the Minister of Transport how many registered dock workers were employed in the Port of London; what was the estimated tonnage handled by them in 1938; and if he will give the figures for 1947.
§ Mr. BarnesIt is estimated that before the war, there were about 35,000 men on the London Port register or employed at wharves and undertakings now within the London dock labour scheme. The present number of registered dock workers is about 27,000. The total tonnages of goods imported into or exported from the Port of London (including transhipments) were about 42 million tons in 1938 and 35 million tons in 1947, but not all of these goods were handled by registered port workers.
§ 6. Mr. Sargoodasked the Minister of Transport what is the shortage of barges in the Port of London; and what is the estimated number required to meet any such deficit.
§ Mr. BarnesI am informed by the Port of London Authority that the supply of barges is generally sufficient to meet requirements at present. Occasional delays in providing barges at peak periods have been due mainly to slow turn-round of craft at destination, and this matter is now being watched by a lighterage consultative panel set up by the Authority.