HC Deb 13 February 1990 vol 167 cc164-5W
89. Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on labour efficiency in the ports.

Mr. McLoughlin

The abolition of the dock labour scheme has created the conditions for more efficient working in the ports. The effects of this reform have still to finish working through the ports industry.

90. Mr. Marlow

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what have been the effects of the abolition of the national dock labour scheme.

Mr. McLoughlin

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 5 December to my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Mr. Janman) at column183.

91. Mr. Michael Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reports he has received of the progress of the docks in Hull since the end of the national dock labour scheme.

Mr. McLoughlin

None; but I would not expect any. However, according to press reports new flexible working arrangements have led to the reopening of the container terminal under new management, with a weekly service to Scandinavia, and to the establishment of new bulk trades at the port.

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