HC Deb 27 June 1973 vol 858 cc1504-5
2. Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a further statement on his discussions regarding the future of Hampden Park.

The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Education, Scottish Office (Mr. Hector Monro)

I had an informal meeting last month with representatives of Queen's Park Football Club which my hon. Friend attended. The future of Hampden Park as a national football stadium is, however, primarily a matter for the football organisations and Queen's Park Football Club. I hope that, following further discussions which may be arranged shortly, they will be able to produce a practicable scheme for the development and management of the stadium.

Mr. Taylor

Does not my hon. Friend agree that the upgrading of Hampden Park and the creation of a suitable national football stadium in Scotland is urgent? Will he arrange urgent discussions with the Scottish Football Association and the League and make it clear that, if a practical proposition emerges, the Government have not turned their mind against the possibility of financial support for such a project?

Mr. Monro

Of course Scotland wants to see a fine stadium at Hampden Park, but this is not the appropriate moment, in the middle of the centennial celebrations, to press meetings with the SFA. But in a week or two I hope to arrange discussions.

Mr. James Hamilton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many of the associated clubs have already made contributions to Hampden Park with a view to bringing it up to modern standards? Surely it is the responsibility of the Association and the League, if they want foreign teams to play in Scotland, to undertake this project. If the Government have money to spare, they should give it to the amateurs and to football as a whole rather than to the Queen's Park Football Club.

Mr. Monro

That goes wider than the original Question, but I will bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said.

Mr. Dalyell

In financial terms, what does the hon. Gentleman mean by saying that it is primarily a matter for Queen's Park Football Club?

Mr. Monro

Exactly what it means in English—that it is primarily a matter for the football organisations.

Mr. Ross

Have the Scottish Sports Council and Glasgow Corporation been party to these talks?

Mr. Monro

Not so far, because Hampden Park belongs to Queen's Park Football Club and one would not wish to move too far away from its wishes at present. But I have no doubt that in future both the Sports Council and perhaps Glasgow Corporation will be involved as well.