§ 26. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the President of the Board of Trade what action he has taken as the result of the letter addressed to him on 21st October by Mr. Wiswell, of the Muzak Corporation of U.S.A., asking for his assistance in placing orders worth 40,000 dollars a year; and what reply he has sent to Mr. Wiswell.
§ Mr. H. WilsonI appreciate the offer made on behalf of the Muzak Corporation, but I understand that there are certain objections on the part of the Musicians' Union. I have of course no powers of compulsion in this matter, but my hon. Friend the Secretary for Overseas Trade has invited the Union to discuss their objections with him. It has not yet proved possible, however, to arrange a meeting. Mr. Wiswell has been kept informed of the position.
§ Mr. CooperIs it not a fact that Mr. Radcliffe, the Secretary of the Musicians Union, is opposing this transaction, which is likely to be of such benefit to this country, purely on grounds of personal prejudice, and is it not a fact that this individual has been invited to the Board of Trade and has not even replied to that invitation? Can something be done to remove this petty difficulty, which is preventing work going to the musicians of this country and also the 551 country from earning those dollars which we so urgently require?
§ Mr. WilsonI do not know whether my hon. Friend's imputations are correct or not, but as I have already said, the Secretary for Overseas Trade has asked the officials concerned to come and discuss the matter with him.