National Dock Labour Scheme

HC Deb 15 February 1988 vol 127 cc454-5W

Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the principles and objectives of the national dock labour scheme; and if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on the scheme.

Mr. Nicholls

I have been asked to reply.

The scheme, known formally as the Dock Workers Employment Scheme 1967, is set out in full in schedule 2 to the Dock Workers (Regulation of Employment) (Amendment) Order 1967. Clause 1(2) states that the objects of the scheme are to ensure greater regularity of employment for dock workers and to secure that an adequate number of dock workers is available for the efficient performance of dock work.

The Government's position with regard to the scheme remains as stated in an earlier reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) on 17 November 1987, at column 915.