HC Deb 15 November 1949 vol 469 cc1834-5
12. Mrs. Jean Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the mid-week football matches in Scotland, with attendances of 90,000; how often these events will be planned for the future; and what disturbance to work and trade is caused.

Mr. Woodburn

I am aware that an International football match between Scotland and Wales was played at Hampden Park, Glasgow, on Wednesday, 9th November, at which the attendance was just under 74,000. The only other international match in Scotland this season will be played against Switzerland on Wednesday, 26th April, 1950, in the evening. With regard to the last part of the Question, I have received no representations since the match of 9th November.

Mrs. Mann

Has my right hon. Friend looked for any evidence in regard to the last part of the Question?

Mr. Woodburn

I should have thought that if anybody had a grievance they would express it, as is usually the case in Scotland, and so far that has not been done.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Does the right hon. Gentleman quite frankly think that in these difficult times this is desirable, particularly in view of the clearly expressed opinion of the Home Secretary in England some time ago?

Mr. Stokes

Has my right hon. Friend really any direct evidence to show that mid-week matches affect attendance at factories, for there is none in East Anglia?

Mr. Woodburn

There are various and strong opinions expressed on this point. The Government have considered this matter from time to time and I must confess that the amount of evidence that has come forward against the holding of a mid-week match from time to time has not been sufficient to justify the Government in considering any action. In Scotland the Football Association has behaved with discretion in this matter, and this has been the only big mid-week match played this winter.