§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received to date about Government proposals for a scheme of identification cards for football supporters.
§ Mr. MoynihanI have received over 1,800 representations relating to the idea of a scheme. In addition I have received a large number of proposals to implement the scheme from computer companies and others.
§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide details of the membership scheme operated by Torquay United and give details of hi s Department's contacts with the club to examine the operation of its scheme.
§ Mr. MoynihanI am aware that Torquay United introduced a 100 per cent. home only membership scheme in November 1986 and that the club considers that this has played an effective part in curbing hooliganism. I congratulate the club on introducing the scheme.
§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment with which football authorities in other countries the Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for sport has discussed his proposals for a national membership scheme for attendance at football matches; what their response has been; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Moynihan[holding answer 19 January 1989]: The British Government is a member of the Council of Europe standing committee on spectator violence. Through this committee, we have kept other European Governments in close touch with developments on a national membership scheme in England and Wales. A number of other Governments have expressed an interest in our proposals.
We have also kept the European Union of Football Associations (UEFA) informed of developments.
§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the computer firms with whom the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the Minister for Sport, has discussed his proposals for the introduction of a national membership scheme for attendance at football league matches.
§ Mr. Moynihan[holding answer 19 January 1989]: I have received proposals from a number of computer and other companies concerning the implementation of a national membership scheme. I have discussed the proposals with some of them. It would not be appropriate for me to list individual companies by name without their consent.
§ Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received from Halifax about Government proposals for a scheme of identification cards for football supporters.
§ Mr. Moynihan[holding answer 19 January 1989]: The hon. Member wrote to me on 16 November about the 457W proposed membership scheme for football supporters. I have also received a letter from the chairman of Halifax Town football club and one from a resident of Halifax about the idea of a scheme.