This case looked at what constituted “any party to the proceedings” under the Arbitration Act 1975, and as such, be entitled to apply for a stay. Since the appellants had not been sued by the French company's sister company (E Ltd), they were not entitled to a stay under the 1975 Act even if they were joined in the action. Since the facts fell within the matters provided for by the 1975 Act, the court would not exercise its power to grant a stay.