HC Deb 22 November 1972 vol 846 cc1281-2
19. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take account of the adverse financial situation confronting football clubs when introducing legislation to license sports grounds; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Lord Wheatley referred to this matter in his report, and we shall bear it in mind in preparing future legislation.

Mr. Dempsey

Will the hon. Gentleman realise that licensing may well mean the rebuilding of stands and terracing, of exits and entrances, and so forth, at prodigious cost, which would not only put First Division clubs in jeopardy but probably put some Second Division clubs out of the game altogether? Will he therefore try to have the cost spread over a period of time to ensure that a team like Albion Rovers, with attendances of less than 1,000 a game, will not be asked to provide the same facilities as Glasgow clubs which accommodate upwards of 70,000 at a game?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising this matter. We have been in correspondence about it, and I am glad to see that he is displaying his club colours on the Floor of the House. The Government have not yet come to a final conclusion on their proposals following Lord Wheatley's recommendation, but I assure the hon. Gentleman that the points he has made have been raised with us also by the representatives of the Football Association and Football League with which we have been in touch, and we shall certainly bear them in mind. However, we must bear in mind also the vital need to safeguard the public who attend these matches.

Mr. Sproat

If and when my hon. Friend introduces legislation to license football grounds, will he make certain that a provision is included to compel clubs to make adequate provision for supporters in wheelchairs?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I shall draw that to the attention of those concerned.

Mr. Ross

When legislating on this matter, will the Minister bear in mind that the financial situation of the clubs, which is already precarious, will be made worse by the introduction of VAT? If he searches his postbag this morning, he will find there—admittedly, not from a Scottish club—relevant information on the point from Aston Villa.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The right hon. Gentleman should know that value added tax matters are for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. We must have concern for the safety of the public as well.