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The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its direct request. It would be grateful if the Government would supply additional information with its next report on the following points:

1. Article 3. The Committee notes that the register established by the Dock Work Institute (ITP) covers all categories of dockworkers. Please supply additional information concerning the number of dockers appearing on the ITP register and the fluctuations in their numbers during the period covered by the next report (Part V of the report form).

2. Articles 4 and 5. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Decision of the Council of Ministers No. 19/87 of 26 March 1987. This Decision lays down the conditions required for the application in the ports of Lisbon and Leixoes of an accelerated redundancy scheme, which is considered to be the only means of finding a solution to the relatively high cost of operations in Portuguese ports. The Committee trusts that the Government will take fully into account the provisions of Article 4, paragraph 2, and will take all the necessary measures to prevent or minimise the detrimental effects on dockworkers of any dismissals. It requests the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the work of the Inter-Ministerial Commission set up under section 7 of Decision No. 19/87 and, in general, on the measures that have been taken under the Decision and on the co-operation established for this purpose with the social partners.

3. The Committee notes the information supplied with regard to the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira. It hopes that future reports will contain fuller information on the application in these regions of the 1984 legislation on dock work and, consequently, on the progress achieved in giving effect to the provisions of the Convention.