§ 2. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Labour how many times the representatives of Association football have had meetings with his Chief Conciliation Officer during the last two years; on how many occasions agreement was reached; and why a final settlement has not yet been arrived at.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. John Hare)There have been ten joint meetings and several preparatory meetings held separately with each side. An 2 agreement was reached on 18th January, and the terms of this agreement were clarified at a further joint meeting on 16th May. No final settlement has been reached because the annual general meeting of the Football League on 3rd June decided not to implement the agreement in full.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithDoes not the Minister agree that the players have been honourable and reasonable in their dealings? Is he aware that they now urgently and sincerely desire a settlement, and that they appreciate the services of his officers, especially the Chief Conciliation Officer? Will the right hon. Gentleman now consider the need to set up a representative industrial council, and will he consider inviting someone like Lord Monckton or Lord Citrine to preside over such a council?
§ Mr. HareI appreciate what the hon. Gentleman has said about my officers. As he knows, we have tried our best to get a settlement. I do not know whether he is aware that the Professional Footballers' Association are meeting on 28th June to consider a letter from the Football League which was sent on the 5th. Until that meeting takes place, I would rather not make any further comment.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithIs the Minister aware that we all hope that good will come from the journey he is about to make, but that it will take him away from this country; so will he have a good talk to his Parliamentary Secretary so that he will act in the same way as the Minister?
§ 3. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Labour if he will arrange for an inquiry to be made into the relation. ships which exist in Association football, and into the long drawn out differences resulting in the dispute in which his conciliation officer was concerned; and if he will publish the results of this inquiry so that a settlement may be reached acceptable to all interests.
§ Mr. HareI would not wish to rule out the possibility of a settlement being reached by negotiation between the parties and, in these circumstances, I do not think an inquiry would be appropriate.