Topic of bargaining (4)
I believe the answer is:
plea
'topic of bargaining' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for plea that I've seen before include "Dispute" , "Appeal - with bargaining?" , "Defendant's answer to a charge or claim" , "Defence - excuse - appeal" , "Excuse; petition" .)