HC Deb 29 March 1972 vol 834 cc431-2
48. Mr. McBride

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the outcome of the discussions he has held designed to ensure that football players born in Wales, who are employed by English clubs, are made available to play for their country of birth in international matches.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

This is a matter for the football authorities rather than the Government. Nevertheless I recognised Wales' difficulties and discussed them with the Football Association and the Football League.

Better arrangements have now been devised. Largely as a result of the public-spirited approach of the football authorities in England, especially the Football League, dates free from League matches are being planned earlier and are now more easily available for international matches than they were in the past. This arrangement is applicable to Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as to Wales.

Mr. McBride

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will be appreciated in the Principality and that my hon. Friend the Member for Newport (Mr. Roy Hughes) and I particularly appreciate his efforts in this matter? Is he further aware that legislatively we know that nothing can be done, and that therefore his efforts are all the more welcome? I hope that this will present an opportunity for wearers of the Red Dragon in soccer to show the world what wearers of the Red Dragon in rugby have shown the world in their sport.

Mr. Griffiths

I am glad to have been able to do something for Wales.

Sir D. Renton

I appreciate my hon. Friend's efforts to smooth things over wherever necessary. However, could he explain how his responsibility in this matter arises?

Mr. Griffiths

It arises because, at the request of hon. Members opposite who came to see me, I thought it right to speak to the football authorities on this matter. It is entirely as a result of their good will that an improved situation has arisen.

Mr. Denis Howell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that we wish to express our appreciation to him for his initiative in this matter and also to the Football Association? Although there may be no direct ministerial responsibility, it is the view of most sportsmen that there is no higher distinction for a sportsman than to represent his country—and this applies whether he is Scottish, Welsh or English?

Mr. Griffiths

I thank the hon. Gentleman for what he has said.