Professional Sport (Incomes Standstill)

HC Deb 31 October 1966 vol 735 c10

15. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Minister of Labour whether the standstill on incomes applies to professional sport.

Mr. Gunter

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Goodhart

Is the Minister satisfied that sporting employers are accepting and following his policy? What investigation of the situation is the right hon. Gentleman making as to whether such employers are accepting and following his policy?

Mr. Gunter

We have had no reason so far to follow it up, but if the hon. Gentleman has any specific case in mind, I will investigate it.

Mr. Bellenger

Does my right hon. Friend's Answer refer to the huge capital sums that are paid over, from which the employee benefits in football sports, for example, or does it refer only to the fees, or whatever they are called, which he gets for playing in matches?

Mr. Gunter

As I understand the intricacies of soccer, the transfer fees are not part of the player's income. I would suggest that that is a question which should be directed to my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Department of Education and Science, who is in charge of it.