asked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the levels of redundancy payments made to London and Liverpool dockers; whether there has been recently a new offer of increased amounts; and what these amounts are.

The National Joint Council for the Port Transport Industry has recently announced increases in payment scales under the National Voluntary Severance Scheme for Registered Dock Workers with a maximum of £16,000 for those with at least 20 years service. It has also introduced a Special National Severance Scheme, to be open for a limited period of six weeks ending on 28 May, under which the maximum payment will be £22,500 for those with at least 15 years continuous service. These maxima are applicable at all ports covered by the Dock Workers' Employment Scheme.