HC Deb 27 March 1979 vol 965 cc235-6
2. Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will state his reasons for refusing a work permit for Mojas Radonjic from Yugoslavia to play for Sheffield Wednesday football club, while allowing other foreign footballers from outside the Common Market to play for other British clubs.

Mr. John Grant

The application by Sheffield Wednesday for a work permit to employ Mojas Radonjic, a Yugoslav footballer, was refused because the player did not satisfy the conditions that I announced on 28 September 1978 for the issue of permits for overseas footballers. Permits are issued only for players of established international reputation who have a distinctive contribution to make to the national game. According to the club's application, Radonjic had never played for his country in a full international and therefore could not be regarded as having an international reputation.

Mr. Ashton

How can a Labour Government support a policy that allows the rich clubs in the first and second division of the Football Leguea to buy whomsoever they like and discriminate against the poor clubs in the third and fourth divisions which are trying to do the same thing? Would it not be much fairer if the Government agreed a policy with the Football League and the players' union allowing one overseas player per club, irrespective of his ability? Will the Minister pursue talks along those lines?

Mr. Grant

I cannot promise talks along those lines. I understand my hon. Friend's concern for football in the city of Sheffield and sympathise with him. The whole work permit scheme is primarily based on skill criteria, but I expect that when the season ends we shall want to review the operation of the scheme and, if the Football League and the Professional Footballers' Association want a different scheme, we shall be interested to have their views.

Mr. Prior

Perhaps after the next election, the Under-Secretary could lend his services to Sheffield Wednesday. They could do with a bit of help.

Mr. Grant

That does not call for a reply, but perhaps I could take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. Speaker, for presenting the Player of the Year award to a member of my constituency team.

Mr. Speaker

That is all right, as long as no one mentions Cardiff City. I now call Mr. Hugh Dykes.

Mr. Dykes

Am I being called to put a supplementary question, Mr. Speaker?

Hon. Members

No. The hon. Gentleman has question No. 3.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I called the hon. Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Dykes) to ask a supplementary question.

Mr. Dykes

And I am not even a supporter of Cardiff City, Mr. Speaker. Do not similar considerations apply in the entertainment industry? If the Department were more flexible about the admittance of, say, one famous overseas entertainer, it would result in more employment for British actors and actresses in his show and more dollar earnings for Britain from tourism.

Mr. Grant

I am not aware of any difficulties in the entertainment industry. If the hon. Gentleman has any particular case in mind, I should be grateful if he will raise it with me.