HC Deb 14 March 1949 vol 462 c159W
68. Mr. Piratin

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the serious degree of unemployment at the London docks of dock workers, the 1948 daily average of unemployment being 8.6 per cent., and this percentage reaching 15.8 in October, he will use his powers under Defence Regulations to direct shipping and take steps to improve the docking arrangements in the London docks.

Mr. Barnes

No. I am not prepared to reintroduce Governmental control of shipping movements. The docking arrangements in London are a matter for the port authority. Generally speaking, the level of unemployment in London is lower than in other ports.

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