§ 48. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Labour what protests he has received from those working in and connected with the dock industry against the Dockworkers (Regulation of Employment) Amendments Order 1966; whether he is aware that workers in the industry were not consulted or informed about this amendment; whether, in view of the unrest in this industry, he will review this question; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsMy right hon. Friend has to date received 46 objections to the draft Order proposing amendments to the Dock Labour Scheme. These come in the main from trade unions, employers' organisations and groups of dock workers. In accordance with the Dock Workers (Regulation of Employment) Act, he is appointing an independent inquiry to examine these objections. The draft Order was based on 7W principles agreed by the industry's National Modernisation Committee, which is composed of representatives of employers and workers in the industry, together with independent members. I understand that the Committee has sent every registered dock worker a leaflet explaining the main changes proposed.