§ Q5. Mr. Ashtonasked the Prime Minister how many times in his official capacity he has attended the Cup Final at Wembley.
§ The Prime MinisterI attended the Football Association Cup Final earlier this month and the League Cup Final last year.
§ Mr. AshtonIs the Prime Minister aware that, if he chooses to go to the Cup Final next year, he will find that the spectators will be paying £19,000 in value added tax for that one match, which is equivalent to 19p per spectator for British entry into the Common Market? Will the Prime Minister visit one or two third and fourth division clubs and tell them how they can avoid bankruptcy when the Government impose the value added tax?
§ The Prime MinisterThe VAT was fully debated in Committee of the whole House on the Finance Bill, and I have nothing to add. I agree that there is no doubt that the crowd at Wembley will be just as large next year as it was this year.
§ Sir R. RussellIs my right hon. Friend aware that his visits to Wembley Stadium have been greatly appreciated by the staff and all those who have come into contact with him? Will he accept as many invitations to Wembley as he possibly can, especially on Saturday afternoons?
§ The Prime MinisterI shall endeavour to please my hon. Friend, who has previously extended invitations to me.