§ Mr. N. Macleanasked the Minister of Labour what is the cost of transferring 170 dockers from Leith and Burntisland on Monday, 14th June, to work at the docks in Glasgow, the costs to include fares to and from Glasgow and costs of lodging in Glasgow while working at the docks there.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThe funds of the National Dock Labour Board are raised by a levy paid by port employers. The National Dock Labour Board is required to submit to the Minister an annual report and balance sheet, and to report to the Minister before imposing a levy of more than 25 per cent. of the gross wages paid by port employers. But the Minister has no authority to inquire into the day-to-day expenses of the Board.
§ 20. Mr. Neil Macleanasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that about 200 dockers have been discharged from the docks at Glasgow as redundant and are signing at the local employment exchange; that 170 dockers were transferred from Leith and Burntisland to the Glasgow docks on Monday, 14th June; and why the Glasgow dockers who were signing at the Glasgow employment exchanges were not given the first opportunity of doing the work that those east coast dockers were transferred to do in Glasgow.
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§ Mr. Ness EdwardsThis is a matter for the National Dock Labour Board. I understand, however, that the number of dock workers on the register of the local dock labour board in Glasgow was until recently in excess of normal requirements and discharges were made to bring the number down to those necessary to meet the normal needs of the port. On two days subsequently, however, the volume of traffic at the port was quite exceptionally heavy and accordingly registered dock workers were brought from Leith and Burntisland to help the local dock workers.