HC Deb 06 August 1980 vol 990 cc497-8
4. Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Hampden Park Ltd. since his statement on the future of Hampden Park; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

My right hon. Friend and I met representatives of Hampden Park Ltd. at the company's request on 7 July, following the announcement of the Government's decision to withdraw their financial support of the scheme to modernise the Hampden Park stadium. The company's representatives expressed their disappointment at this decision and requested that the Government should meet in full the expenditure which has been incurred on the project to date. My right hon. Friend has undertaken to give further consideration to this request on receipt of a detailed statement of the costs involved.

Mr. Maxton

Is the Minister aware that the financial commitments of that company are due almost entirely to the fact that two weeks before the withdrawal of his money he gave an assurance that the money would be forthcoming? Contracts were signed on that basis. Will he assure the House and the company that he will meet that debt in full? Is he aware that if he does not do so there could be severe financial hardship for one of the oldest football clubs in Britain?

Mr. Fletcher

The first part of the hon. Gentleman's comment is incorrect. In the two weeks that elapsed certain liabilities may have been incurred, but they were nothing like the total amount that is now being questioned. We are sympathetic to the problem that has been raised for Queen's Park football club and to the requests that have been made for the Government to meet their share of the liabilities, but we require a detailed statement before any decision can be made. When that has been examined, the Government will meet their proper responsibilities.

Mr. John MacKay

If Hampden Park Ltd. comes back to my hon. Friend rattling its begging bowl, will he consider sending it along to Ibrox Stadium, where Rangers football club has modernised that stadium without coming to the taxpayer with a begging bowl?

Mr. Fletcher

That is a matter for the football authorities.