§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport on what date he received communications from Mr. Colin 709W Morland and the hon. Member for Newham, North-West concerning the situation in the docks; when he replied; and what was the nature of this reply.
§ Mr. William RodgersI received a letter from my hon. Friend on 27th July 1978, enclosing a circular note from Mr. Colin Marchant and others of the Newham Churches Dockland Group. I have not yet replied, but shall do so shortly.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will give an estimate of the direct and indirect loss of employment in and around the London docks if the proposals to close them are implemented; and whether he will itemise the unemployment figures between dock workers and ancillary workers and other incidental workers who will be affected.
§ Mr. William RodgersNo estimate is at present available.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will give an assurance that he will take no action concerning the closing of the London docks generally and the Royal Group in particular whilst the House is in recess.
§ Mr. William RodgersI refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch (Mr. Williams) on 31st July 1978.