HC Deb 12 June 1974 vol 874 cc1599-600
11. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his official visit to the England versus Northern Ireland football match.

Mr. Denis Howell

This match was played at Wembley on 15th May 1974. It was an interesting and well-conducted match, marked by sportsmanship and enthusiasm on all sides. England won by one goal to nil, scored by Mr. Keith Weller in the 72nd minute. I do not wish to be too parochial but I am sure the whole House will wish me to send good wishes to Scotland as it enters the World Cup.

Mr. Dalyell

Now that the Northern Ireland Executive has fallen, will my hon. Friend agree that there is no longer any need for circumlocutory Questions? Those of us who recently visited the Shankill area of Belfast, Long Kesh and the prison at Armagh wonder whether the appalling lack of facilities in Belfast is not in some way connected with all these drillings of 17- and 18-year-olds in the Long Kesh prisoner-of-war camp?

Mr. Howell

I think that my hon. Friend is asking a serious question, which is concerned with the part that sport can play in unifying a country such as Northern Ireland. I am happy to say that I share that belief passionately and I shall, in the new circumstances, consult my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to see whether we can do all that I would like to see done through sport to bring the communities together.

Mr. Lane

Is it the Minister of State or someone else in the Government who is delaying the reintroduction of the Safety of Sports Grounds Bill?

Mr. Howell

The reintroduction of the Bill has been promised and will take place as soon as time permits.