§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many dockers are employed in non-dock labour scheme ports and in dock labour scheme ports currently; how many were employed in 1979; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NichollsThe number of dock workers in scheme ports has fallen from 25,770 in 1979 (NDLB annual report) to 9,280 on 30 May 1989 (NDLB figures). There are no comparable figures for the number of dock workers in non-scheme ports in 1979 and currently. The most recent available figures show that in 1987 there were 3,900 dock workers in non-scheme ports, 10 per cent. more than in 1983.
Scheme ports are continuing to lose business and jobs to ports outside the scheme, free from its restrictions. The abolition of the scheme will enable all our ports to compete on equal terms.