HC Deb 13 March 1961 vol 636 c87W
Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, despite substantial unemployment among dock workers, the National Dock Labour Board is continuing to recruit new entrants to the industry; how many workers in the Royal group of docks were unemployed at the latest convenient date; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hare

The administration of the Dock Labour Scheme is the responsibility of the National Dock Labour Board.

I understand from the Board that there was today a shortage of labour in the Royal Group and dock workers had to be brought in from other parts of the Port. The Board's recruitment policy must take into account the average demand for dock labour over the whole year and, although there has been from time to time a surplus of labour in the Port of London during the winter, there was a shortage in the Port last year.