§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Labour by what amount hourly wage rates and earnings are expected to rise as a result of the settlements of the London and Liverpool dock disputes, respectively; how many are affected by these changes; and if the settlement is consistent with the Government's prices and incomes policy.
§ Mr. HattersleyThe continuing dispute in certain sectors of the London docks is not concerned with wage rates or earnings.
The interim settlement, directly affecting some 11,000 dockers in Liverpool, did not increase rates but guaranteed, under specified conditions, minimum piece-work or bonus earning of 2s. 0d. an hour over the time rate. The practical effect on 173W earnings cannot yet be assessed, but this guarantee would offset the effect on earnings of a reduction in overtime through the elimination of time-wasting practices, pending a comprehensive review of the incentive payments system in the port. Such an arrangement does not conflict with the Government's policy for productivity, prices and incomes.