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With regard to the specific proposals made in para- graph 12 of the Minister of Transport's paper, I have no objection to. these being examined, although I ought to say at once that I strongly dissent from proposal (i). I should, of course, be glad if out of these proposals some improvement in the administration of the Scheme could be achieved, but I am quite sure that these minor improvements in the administra- tion of the Scheme would have no substantial effect on the underlying causes of unrest. I should expect the examination to show that after two years' experience some small improve- ments in such matters as the relationship between the National Board and the Local Boards and in the disciplinary arrangements might be suggested. On the question of independent representa- tion on the National and Local Boards, I should not expect to find that friction in the industry could be cured by, in effect, taking the administration of the Scheme out of the hands of the industry itself and handing it over to independent representatives. The Scheme, if it is to succeed, must surely be run in a way acceptable to both sides of the industry and from experience I know well that neither side of the industry would accept the idea that they should be placed virtually in the hands of independent management.
6.
If these matters are examined I would suggest that they should be considered in the first place by officials of the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Transport in consul- tation with officials of the National Dock Labour Board. I do not agree that at this stage the employers and the trade unions, the British Transport Commission and the Port Authorities should. be, brought in. Before that is done, it seems to me essential that the Minister of Transport and myself should reach agree- ment as to the lines on which we think some improvements might be pursued. In suggesting this I have in mind the Prime Minister's Directive, C. P. (49) 95 of 29th April, 1949, under which we are enjoined to ensure that matters of this kind should first be thoroughly examined at the official level before they are referred to Ministers and that before such matters are referred to the Cabinet, if there is disagreement, there should be personal discussion between the Ministers concerned. I should much have preferred that the Minister of Transport's proposals had been examined interdepartmentally on the official level before specific proposals were submitted to the Cabinet.
7.
In short, therefore, I would suggest that the working of the National Dock Labour Scheme be remitted for official examination by the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Transport who may, as necessary, bring into consultation officials of the National Dock Labour Board. Thereafter I should hope that the Minister of Transport and myself would be able to agree on the next step to be taken.
8.
Any improvements effected in the National Dock Labour Scheme in this way will, in my judgment, be comparatively minor ones and, as I have said, will have little effect on the under- lying causes of unrest in the docks. What is wanted is some method of ascertaining what these underlying causes are. This is something that cannot be done in the course of a week or two. It means a close and detailed study of the conditions in the docks and of the feelings and reactions of the dockers. This can only be done by a group of people with social welfare experience making a thorough investigation. I accordingly
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