§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with(a) the Premier League and (b) the Professional Footballers 749W Association regarding the dispute between the two bodies; what role her Department can play in resolving the dispute; and if she will make a statement. [14292]
§ Mr. CabornNeither my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State nor I have discussed this issue with the Premier League or the Professional Footballers Association (PFA). Although the Government hope that a satisfactory settlement may be reached without the need for industrial action, the dispute must be resolved through a free process of negotiation. My Department has no plans to intervene.