HC Deb 10 July 1974 vol 876 cc1345-6
12. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the work of the Scottish Sports Council.

Mr. Robert Hughes

The Council published a report on its work in November 1973 and I understand that it expects to publish a further report later this year.

Mr. Taylor

To what extent is the council involved in the discussions on the improvement and modernisation of Hampden Park, and when do the Government expect to be in a position to make a statement on this matter?

Mr. Hughes

There is a separate working party looking at the future of Hampden Park and it is expected to report towards the end of the autumn. The chairman of the Scottish Sports Council, Mr. Laurie Liddell, also happens to be chairman of the working party. We shall await the report of the working party.

Mr. Alexander Wilson

Will my hon. Friend suggest to the working party that some of us on the Government side of the House are a little fed up with public money being poured into private enterprises? If the Government are foolish enough to do this in relation to Hampden Park, will they also consider Lanark football grounds, such as Shawfield Stadium, Fir Park, Broomfield Park and Douglas Park, which need money injected into them?

Mr. Hughes

I would not like to comment on the latter part of my hon. Friend's question. With regard to Hampden Park, it must be recognised that that is a Scottish national stadium and we want to see the best facilities provided for international events. We must await the report of the working party and see what transpires. If my hon. Friend cares to talk over these matters with me later I shall be glad to go into them.

Mr. Harry Ewing

Is my hon. Friend aware that the hon. Member for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Taylor) appears to want Hampden Park nationalised? Will my hon. Friend see that this is arranged and, in doing so, arrange for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry to kick off in the first match, which would probably be between the Younger Generation and the Taylor Maids?