§ 109. Mr. JanmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of progress which has been made in British ports since the abolition of the dock labour scheme towards increased competitiveness and the attraction of new business; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe former scheme ports have responded with impressive enthusiasm and energy to the new opportunities opened up by the possibility of 183W eliminating overmanning and restrictive practices. Business inquiries are at a high level. The way is now open for new industrial developments in dock areas and for the larger of these ports to win back some of the deep-sea trade that is routed through ports on the continent.