§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now able to state what the arrangements are for taking men on by the shipping companies at the various London docks; and if men are now engaged for short periods of only one and two hours duration?
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Mr. BUXTONThe usual arrangements for taking on men at the London Docks are as follows:—"The principal times of 'call' are at seven and eight a.m., and after the dinner hour at one p.m. Additional calls are made, if necessary, at nine and ten a.m., and the Port of London Authority occasionally take on men for special short engagements at two or three p.m. Where no minimum period of employment is recognised, employers are in the habit of taking on men at all hours of the day, as it suits their convenience. The Stevedores' Society stipulates for five times of calling only—namely, at 6.45 a.m., 7.45 a.m. (for discharging only), 8.45 a.m., 12.45 and 5.45 p.m. Afternoon calls for men starting work after the tea hour or later are made at five and six p.m.; but these are not frequent, and due notice of the call is usually given beforehand." The usual minimum period of employment is four hours. Cases in which men are taken on for shorter periods are believed to be exceptional. A minimum sum of 2s. is paid even for shorter periods than four hours.