§ 37. Mr. Wiggasked the Minister of Labour why an official of his Department acted as chairman at a meeting held on 24th August, 1953, between representatives of the Musicians' Union and the proprietor of the Theatre Royal, Exeter.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI understand that in February of last year the management of the Theatre Royal, Exeter, reduced the size of their orchestra and that later, following representations by the Musicians' Union, the remaining five musicians withdrew their labour. My Regional Industrial Relations Officer in Bristol had been in contact with the employer and the union and in August, 1953, considered that an attempt might then be made to secure a resumption of work. He therefore invited the parties to a joint meeting under his chairmanship, which took place on 25th August, but, unfortunately, no agreement was reached.