§ Q6. Mr Douglasasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with co-ordination between the Scottish Office and the Department of the Environment with regard to sport.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. DouglasIs the Prime Minister aware that we are celebrating the centenary of the Scottish Football Association? Is he also aware that in England, Scotland and Wales the game of soccer is in a serious state because of low attendances and of the lack of equipment in the grounds to ensure safety and so forth? Will the Prime 1142 Minister undertake to discuss with the associations of these countries the future of the game and what Government assistance may be forthcoming, particularly through taxation?
§ The Prime MinisterMy hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Environment has been having discussions. I recognise the validity of the hon Member's point. There are financial difficulties, but it must be recognised that the sport receives about £1 million from pool promoters under the copyright arrangements for use of the fixture list, so that a considerable sum accrues to the sport in that way. We welcome the creation of new grounds, and I do not believe that consultations which are taking place on the Wheatley Report on safety are delaying that development in any way.