HC Deb 19 December 1966 vol 738 cc205-6W
Mr. Ellis

asked the Minister of Labour what is the position in Bristol on the implementation of the Docks and Harbours Act.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Labour what is the position in Hull concerning the implementation of the Docks and Harbours Act.

Mr. Gunter

My main responsibilities under the Docks and Harbours Act, 1966, are the requirements of Part II of the Act relating to the provision of welfare amenities in the ports specified in Schedule 1 of the Act among which are the ports of Bristol and Hull. It will not be possible to bring Part II into operation until the licensing procedure has been completed.

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport informs me that applications for employers' licences under Part I of the Act were submitted by 1st December, 1966, in accordance with regulations made by her in September, and are at present being considered by the licensing authorities for the ports.

Mr. Ellis

asked the Minister of Labour if he will publish the plans for improved amenities in Bristol and Avonmouth docks as provided for under the Docks and Harbours Act.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Labour if he will publish the plans for improved amenities in the Hull Docks, as provided for under the Docks and Harbours Act.

Mr. Gunter

When Part II of the Docks and Harbours Act, 1966 becomes operative the National Dock Labour Board will submit welfare amenity schemes to me for my approval. I shall then give notice of the scheme to the persons named as being responsible for providing and maintaining the welfare amenities. Any person who is aggrieved by a requirement to provide or maintain the amenities prescribed in the scheme may then make an objection with in forty days of being given notice.

In the meantime the Dock Labour Board are trying to bring about an improvement in amenities on a voluntary basis in advance of the coming into operation of Part II of the Act.