§ Lord Sefton of Garstonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they agree with the intention, expressed by the previous Government, that "there will be no return to the 'casual system of working' in the docks industry" (H.C. Deb. 17 April 1989 col. 45) and, if so, whether they will use their 12.4 million shares in Mersey Docks and Harbour Company to convene a meeting of all concerned to attempt a settlement of the present dispute.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Clinton-Davis)The nature of dock work requires the flexible use of labour. However, the Government consider that it is neither necessary nor acceptable in today's conditions for employers to resort to the extreme forms of casual employment which once existed in the industry. It is not our intention to use the Government shareholding in the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company to become involved in the operation of the company. The two sides to the dispute have been involved in discussions to resolve the matter in recent months and the independent Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, which has been in touch with both sides, remains ready to provide assistance if both agree.