§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will have discussions with trade unions about the future of the National Dock Labour Board;
(2) if he has any plans to abolish the National Dock Labour Board;
(3) if he is satisfied with the working of the National Dock Labour Board; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerThere is no doubt that the operation of the dock labour scheme which the National Dock Labour 241W Board runs is increasingly being questioned by those concerned in the industry and I shall continue to remind the unions, employers and board officers that the scheme must be seen to work effectively and to serve the wider interests of the port industry. There are no plans to abolish it at present.