§ Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is the estimated percentage increase in rates and earnings arising from the claim by shipping-off gangs who recently struck at the Royal Group of Docks; what issues of productivity and comparability are involved in the dispute; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe claim is for increases in fall-back minimum payments for pieceworkers which the employers, the Port of London Authority, estimates would increase the average total earnings of the men concerned by between six and seven per cent. Negotiations, involving consideration of comparability and increased productivity, are continuing.