HC Deb 18 December 1974 vol 883 c493W
Mr. Urwin

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what evidence he has of the use of lump labour in the shipping industry; and what steps he proposes to take to eliminate this practice.

Mr. Clinton Davis

I have no evidence of any use of lump labour, as the term is generally understood, in the shipping industry. Entry into employment in the Merchant Navy is controlled jointly by the shipowners and unions through the Merchant Navy Establishment. If my hon. Friend lets me have any evidence of malpractices I will certainly arrange for them to be fully investigated.