HC Deb 24 February 1972 vol 831 c1473
9. Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the Wheatley report on safety at football grounds.

Mr. Sharples

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Mr. Money) on 17th January.—[Vol. 829, c. 69.]

Mr. Price

Will the Minister give the matter urgent attention? Since the Ibrox disaster there has been a number of reports of incidents involving crowd safety at football matches. Does not the hon. Gentleman regard it as somewhat strange that clubs which are happy to spend £150,000 on a player are often very reluctant to spend a few thousand pounds on improving their grounds? Will he call them together and spell out their responsibilities?

Mr. Sharples

Clubs have had the advantage of the expert committee which was presided over by Mr. Walter Winter-bottom. A large number of clubs have taken advantage of his advice. I hope the Wheatley Report will be available towards the end of March or early in April.

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