HC Deb 19 June 1974 vol 875 cc465-6
11. Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the position with regard to his discussions on the future of Hampden Park.

Mr. Robert Hughes

The working part to which my right hon. Friend referred in his reply on 6th May to my hon. Friend the Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Sillars) is continuing its study of this problem.—[Vol. 873, c. 13–14.]

Mr. Taylor

Does not the magnificent game played by Scotland last night in the World Cup wholly justify the Minister's making a statement now, without detail, that he is in principle in favour of providing help in order to ensure that Scotland has a modernised international stadium, with, in fairness to the local residents, better facilities for the crowds? Would not this be the best form of encouragement to our team on Saturday?

Mr. Hughes

I certainly agree that the performance of the Scottish team last night was magnificent. It is a pity that we did not get the result we deserved. The hon. Gentleman knows how difficult it has been to get those concerned with Hampden Park to agree to what might be done. If it is to remain Scotland's premier stadium, something will have to be done, but we cannot give a detailed reply on finance until we know what is involved.