HC Deb 25 October 1972 vol 843 cc1184-5
26. Mr Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to make compulsory the provision of adequate facilities for disabled persons in wheelchairs at football grounds in Scotland.

Mr. Monro

The provision of facilities for disabled persons in premises open to the public is already dealt with in Section 4 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970.

Mr. Sproat

Is my hon. Friend aware that for 18 months Aberdeen Football Club has consistently refused to provide facilities for supporters in wheelchairs and that it is now the only First Division club in Scotland so to do? Does he not agree that such a refusal is totally contrary to the spirit of the Act?

Mr. Monro

I certainly commend the many football clubs that have provided very good facilities for the disabled and I should like to see such facilities universally offered in Scotland. It is up to the clubs and they have to think about it carefully. I would much rather that this was done by persuasion. Local authorities, of course, have the right to discuss the provisions of the Act, particularly in relation to these occurrences.