HC Deb 13 November 1951 vol 493 c30W
117. Mr. Porter

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take to settle the difference between the Rugby League and the Players' Union.

118. Mr, J. P. W. Mallalieu

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to set up an independent tribunal to inquire into the disagreement between the Rugby League Football Players' Union and Welfare Organisation and the Rugby League Council.

Sir W. Monckton:

This dispute was formally reported by the Players' Union to my predecessor in July last, and since that time officers of my Department have been in close contact with representatives of the League and the Union with a view to promoting joint discussions between them. A joint meeting was held on 13th September last but, unfortunately, no progress could be made towards a settlement of the difficulties. Efforts have since been made to arrange a further joint meeting, but as it has not been found possible to reach an agreed basis for such a meeting, I have now decided to refer the dispute to the Industrial Disputes Tribunal in accordance with the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Order No. 1376.