HC Deb 19 March 1984 vol 56 c363W
Mr. Neil Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the total cost to public funds of the dockworkers voluntary severance scheme.

Mr. Gummer

The national voluntary severance scheme for registered dock workers was set up in 1969. In 1972 and 1973 Government contributed a total of £30.6 million to severance costs. Since 1978 grants totalling a further £79.1 million have been provided and a loan of £23.8 million has been written-off in respect of severance costs in the ports of London and Liverpool. The total of this assistance from public funds is £133.5 million.