§ Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the decasualisation scheme at Belfast deep sea docks, which was introduced in 1972, is still functioning effectively.
§ Mr. OrmeThe decasualisation scheme at Belfast Deep Sea Docks is based on an agreement between the Belfast and North of Ireland Federation of Employers and the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union. On the whole the scheme has been working satisfactorily but in recent weeks financial problems have arisen in relation to the company which operates the scheme on behalf of the federation. I have made arrangements for a small grant to be made available on an extra-statutory basis to deal with the short-term position and allow time for an urgent review of the overall situation by the Government in consultation with employers' representatives and the trade union; discussions are already under way on this matter.