1966: Emergency laws over seamen's strike
The British government has declared a state of emergency a week after the nation's seamen went on strike.
The new emergency powers will allow the government to cap food prices, allow the Royal Navy to take control and clear the ports and lift restrictions on driving vehicles to allow for the free movement of goods.
Ports and docks around the country are becoming increasingly congested as ships are brought to a standstill by protesting members of the National Union of Seamen.
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The NUS is demanding their 56-hour week is reduced to 40 hours. The Minister of Labour Ray Gunter has been negotiating with the NUS to bring the strike to an end.
He acknowledged conditions and regulations governing the seamen needed to be modernised, but said the pay demands could not be satisfied because the resulting amount of overtime pay would go counter to the prices and incomes policy that aims to reduce inflation by limiting wage rises to 3.5%.
The Prime Minister Harold Wilson told the House of Commons the state of emergency was being imposed.
Mr Wilson said these powers would not be used until deemed absolutely necessary.
Whatever its outcome, the government has ordered an inquiry into the terms and conditions of the seamen.
Shipowners estimate exports worth �40m will be delayed by the strike which has seen "dead" ships blocking berths in London, Liverpool, Southampton and other major ports.
Passenger ships are also severely affected.
Most of Cunard's fleet is out of action. Today, 900 crew members of the Queen Mary stopped work when the ship ended her voyage from New York at Southampton. The Queen Mary was carrying 850 passengers including the evangelist Dr Billy Graham about to begin a tour of Britain.
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4 February 1988