HC Deb 15 November 1972 vol 846 cc418-20
27. Mr. Robert Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to arrange discussions with the Scottish Football Association, the English Football Association, the Welsh Football Association and the Professional Football Players Associations of Scotland, England and Wales with a view to drawing up a code of conduct to regulate the conditions of players' transfers.

30. Mr. Milne

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give consideration to introducing legislation based on the Chester Report recommendations in regard to football transfer arrangements.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

I see no reason for the Government to become involved in the matter of football players' transfers.

Mr. Hughes

But is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the unsavoury methods used by some clubs in recent transfers are bringing the game into disrepute and can only lead to a deterioration in relations between the players and their clubs? Is he not also aware that any intervention on his part as a third party can only help to bring sanity to the situation? Will he reconsider his position and take the initiative?

Mr. Griffiths

I think that it is common ground on both sides of the House that it is better left to the governing body of football to make its own decisions. I believe that the Football Association and the Football League are responsible bodies. I do not think that it is right that the Government should seek to interfere in the management of their own business.

Mr. Milne

As the Minister has been dubbed the Minister for Sport he cannot dodge his responsibilities in this matter. The recommendations of the Chester Committee could be brought out of cold storage. The cattle market in the selling and buying of football players should stop. The Chester Report made some good recommendations in this matter.

Mr. Griffiths

Yes—but the Chester Committee's recommendations were made to the football authorities and not to the Government. The hon. Gentleman must look to the football authorities to put their own house in order.

Mr. Denis Howell

Will the hon. Gentleman help the football authorities by agreeing that value added tax should not be imposed on football? Is he aware of the serious concern about the question of the future financing of football and, in particular, about the effect which VAT will have in putting many small clubs out of existence? I bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has properly said, but the Chester Committee Report shows that there is great concern about the future financing of this important sport.

Mr. Griffiths

Matters of taxation are for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Question deals solely with the matter of transfer fees. All I can say in reply to the hon. Gentleman is that I do not think that he would command a very high transfer fee anywhere.