asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that about 3,000 dockers in Northend, Liverpool Docks, were idle last week, and that an increase is expected this week; and what action he is taking to facilitate full working for Liverpool dockers.

The number of dockers at present surplus to requirements at Liverpool is lower than the average for the ports of the country as a whole. The unemployment is partly seasonal and partly due to a decline in the volume of imports.