§ 76. Sir I. Fraserasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it clear that amateur football clubs such as those connected with works, youth movements, etc., may play their games at any convenient time even if a charge is made for onlookers.
§ Mr. EdeI would refer the hon. Member to the announcement issued from the Home Office on 26th March which made it clear that the Government has no desire to prevent the playing of games such as he describes, provided they are not likely to attract as spectators people who would otherwise be engaged in production.
§ Sir I. FraserIn view of the fact that it cannot be guaranteed that even one or two persons engaged in production will go to see their boys play football, cannot the right hon. Gentleman be more specific? Will he have in mind that it is a bad thing to prevent this kind of innocent game, even if it does attract one or two?
§ Mr. EdeI am sure that if it was only one or two, the spirit of the Government's announcement would be complied with. The Football Association and the central bodies dealing with the organisation of other sports have given guidance to their affiliated clubs which carries out the spirit of the Government's desire.
§ Mr. HollisDoes the Minister think that any amateur football clubs should he excluded from playing mid-week?