§ Mr. McLoughlinasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the latest estimate available to him of the annual cost to the nation's economy of continuing with the present dock labour regime in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI am not aware of any such estimate; a wide range of figures could be derived, depending on the assumptions made.
§ Mr. Roger Kingasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is currently considering any proposals for the closure of a port covered by the dock labour scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerNo. The closure of a port would usually need an Act of Parliament.
§ Mr. Haywardasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to eliminate the dock labour scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe Government have consistently made it clear that they have no plans to legislate on this matter during this Parliament.