§ 50. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Labour what action he has taken to see that the National Arbitration Tribunal's Award No. 942 on the rates of wages and certain conditions of employment of professional footballers has been carried out; and in particular, if any organisation on the lines of a Whitley Council has yet been established.
§ Mr. IsaacsI have received no complaint that the rates of wages and conditions of employment set out in the award are not being carried out. It is for the parties concerned to take their own steps to enforce any rights which they may have acquired by reason of an award of the tribunal. As regards the second part of the Question, my information is that on 24th April last the matter was discussed between the parties but that so far no joint machinery has been established. The assistance of my Department is freely available if desired by either of the parties.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithIs my right hon. I Friend aware that it is now 18 months since the tribunal recommended that all parties should be brought together in order that suitable machinery could be established to enable them to ventilate grievances and avoid friction? In view of that fact, will my right hon. Friend use his personal influence in order to get all parties together, and will he preside at the first meeting so that this machinery can be set in operation?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir, except that I cannot preside at the first meeting because the first meeting has already taken place. They met on 27th April, I think it was, but I will exercise my personal influence to try to get the parties together again.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithThe meeting which was held at that time has not proved fruitful. In view of the need for the setting up of this machinery will my right hon. Friend now take action?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir.