§ Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Labour, in view of the recent agreement in Liverpool between the employers and 90W the trade union for the decasualisation of labour in return for an end to restrictive practices by dockers at the Mersey docks, what have been the results of similar discussions in the Port of London; when he expects a scheme to be operated there; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GodberThe principles put forward by be National Joint Council for the Port Transport Industry as a basis for further decasualisation are still being considered in most major ports, including Liverpool, where I welcome the recent joint initiative, and London. I cannot forecast when agreements will be concluded. I share the Council's wish that it shall be as soon as possible but complex problems are involved in applying the agreed general principles to the circumstances of the various ports. I shall continue to keep in close touch with representatives of both sides of the Council and help in securing further progress in any way I can.
§ Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Rochdale Report states that there are too many employers in some ports, that this is incompatible with arrangements for a successful dock labour scheme on a regular work basis, and that a reduction of their number is a prerequisite of a satisfactory solution of decasualisation of dock labour on a regular basis; and if he will take steps to amalgamate some of the employers.
§ Mr. GodberThe National Joint Council for the Port Transport Industry has recognised that the complexities arising from the presence on the registers of a multiplicity of employers, many of whom only engage labour intermittently, are among the factors inhibiting the effective deployment of the dock labour force anti constituting therefore an obstacle to be overcome in the interests of further decasualisation. The industry is at present considering how this should be achieved in particular ports.