HC Deb 25 March 1947 vol 435 cc1046-7
5. Mr. Carmichael

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on mid-week football in Scotland; and if he is prepared to recognise that no industrial difficulties will arise if football is permitted in the evenings.

Mr. Westwood

The present position is that the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Football League, and the Scottish Junior Football Association have barred the playing of any football match at which a. charge for admission is made or money raised in any form except on Saturdays or on recognised public holidays in the place where the match is played. These bodies have asked me to receive a deputation to discuss further the question of mid-week matches and arrangements for a meeting are being made. As regards the second part of the Question, I do not think that the holding of matches in the evening would constitute a guarantee against interference with production.

Mr. Carmichael

Can the right hon. Gentleman say from his own knowledge, particularly of junior football, and in view of the fact that during the war no such interference took place, that he really desires to restrict mid-week football when it is played at 7 o'clock in the evening? I ask that question because in my own city more people attend the cinemas in one evening than those who attend a junior football match. Will not the Secretary of State do everything in his power to give these working lads an opportunity of playing football? There is no finance involved other than a paltry sum of money paid at the, gate.

Mr. Westwood

I do not desire to impose any restrictions in connection with football matches. I say that as a football enthusiast myself. But these restrictions are to the credit of the Scottish Football Association which gave a lead to England in this regard, because they recognise the national problem which we are facing at the moment. As I have already indicated, they have asked me to meet them and I presume they will put their case before me.

Mr. Rankin

Will the ban apply to five-a-side football games at sports meetings which are held during the week?

Mr. Westwood

I have not given consideration to that aspect of the matter.

Mr. Rankin

Will my right hon. Friend keep that point in mind?

Mr. Cook

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the fact that junior football clubs depend on mid-week evening games in the summer in order to keep them going during the season?