asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that as a result of the seamen's strike 65,000 dock workers will soon be able to work and will be drawing £9 a week; if he is satisfied that the National Dock Labour Board have sufficient funds at their disposal to pay this money; what funds they are able to call upon; and if he will make a statement.

The Board's Levy Stabilisation Fund, which can be drawn on to meet the cost of payments to dock workers, stands at a level which should be adequate to meet any increase in the Board's commitments in the immediate future.