HC Deb 19 March 1962 vol 656 cc7-8
8. Mr. C. Royle

asked the Minister of Labour if he will now intervene in the dispute between the Independent Television Companies and the members of Equity.

12. Mr. Jeger

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the dispute between Actors Equity and the Independent Television Companies has now been unresolved for five months; and whether he proposes to intervene to try to arrange a settlement.

Mr. Hare

My officers had informal talks with representatives of Equity, the Independent Television Companies Labour Relations Committee, and the Independent Television Authority in the early stages of this dispute. No request however for intervention by my Department has been made. I understand that discussions between the parties are in progress.

Mr. Royle

While I would not under any circumstances want to embarrass any talks going on at the moment, is the Minister aware that many actors and actresses are now experiencing tremendous hardship? I am told that there is an appalling deterioration in the programmes of I.T.V. at the moment. In fact, I understand that even "Coronation Street" has deteriorated in recent weeks. In view of all this, will the Minister give an assurance that if the present talks break down he will intervene with the purpose of helping the situation?

Mr. Hare

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the way in which he phrased the first part of his supplementary question. I do not think that any of us would want to say anything now which might make settlement more difficult. As to any new situation that might arise, I do not want to prejudge the decision. I do not want to say anything that might damage the possibility of these talks ending successfully. On the other matter, I do not know whether I am using Parliamentary language, but I assume that both he and I are not quite such regular viewers of I.T.V. as some of our hon. Friends.

Mr. Loughlin

I can appreciate the difficulties of the Minister at this stage in making a statement, but will he bear in mind that in the event of the present talks not being fruitful of agreement it will become essential for the Minister to intervene and to ensure a complete settlement, particularly in view of the Independent Television Companies' representations to I.T.A.?

Mr. Hare

There is not much that I can add in reply to the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question to what I have already said to his hon. Friend the Member for Salford, East (Mr. Royle). I think the hon. Gentleman knows that it is not the normal practice to intervene unless we are asked to do so. Again, I do not want to prejudge the issue. I think that we had better wait to see how things go on.