17. Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on his discussions with interested parties regarding the future of Hampden Park.
§ Mr. MonroI have nothing to add to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Clark Hutchison) on 24th May, 1972. I understand that the discussions referred to in that answer are proceeding but no proposals have yet been put to my right hon. Friend. [Vol. 837, c. 372–3.]
Mr. TaylorWill my hon. Friend make it clear that he regards as a real priority that Hampden Park should be developed as a great international football stadium? After the discussions between the Queen's Park Football Club and the Scottish Football Association, if they bring a proposition to him to develop and improve the stadium, will he not close his mind to Government financial assistance?
§ Mr. MonroI know of my hon. Friend's interest, and the interest of all the people of Scotland, in Hampden Park. If Queen's Park, the SFA and perhaps even Glasgow Corporation come together to talk to me about the matter, my mind will be open to anything they wish to say.
§ Mr. James HamiltonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the introduction of VAT and the implementation of the Wheatley Committee proposals will place Hampden Park in an impossible financial position? Is he aware that many of the clubs in Scotland have contributed to the upkeep of Hampden Park and to bringing it up to the status required for an international stadium in Scotland? On 551 that basis, is he not prepared to make representations to the Treasury to ensure that Hampden Park gets the necessary money and that it receives a contribution from the central Government to ensure that it is a focal point for football in Scotland?
§ Mr. MonroThe points the hon. Gentleman has made were considered very fully during the passage of the Finance Bill, so the Treasury is well aware of his views. I have nothing to add on the question of VAT in relation to Hampden Park.