HC Deb 21 April 1982 vol 22 cc258-9
6. Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what matters he intends discussing at his next meeting with the football authorities about arrangements for the World Cup.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Neil Macfarlane)

The House is aware that my main concern in the World Cup arrangements has been, and still is, to advise the Spanish authorities about possible hooliganism by a minority of British supporters. My officials are in regular contact with our own football authorities, and the liaison group that I initiated last December met again on 31 March to discuss progress on all aspects of the matter.

Mr. Canavan

Will the Minister clarify his written reply of yesterday, in which he urged a sports boycott of Argentina, especially as Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Argentina are all in the World Cup finals? Does he agree that a boycott of the World Cup would not help the oppressed people of the Falkland Islands, but could damage international relations if we allowed a Fascist dictator, such as Galtieri, to spoil one of the greatest international sporting competitions in the world?

Mr. Macfarlane

There is no question of a boycott. Therefore, I have nothing to add to the written answer that I gave yesterday.

Sir Hector Monro

Does my hon. Friend accept that many of us agree with his advice? We must hope that FIFA will realise that many European and Commonwealth countries would not wish to be involved in a tournament with Argentina. Should not FIFA take the responsibility of removing Argentina from the World Cup if the present position continues?

Mr. Macfarlane

I canot anticipate what action FIFA may take, but, as matters stand now, we have no objection to British teams taking part in international competitions where Argentina may also be represented. However, our position must be kept under constant review in the light of changing circumstances. I have nothing more to say now.

Mr. Denis Howell

Does the Minister accept that if resolution 502 of the Security Council has not been honoured by the time of the World Cup the Government must consider what principles will govern their advice? The Labour Party would support the proposal by the hon. Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Monro) that, in such circumstances, the right course would be for FIFA to exclude Argentina.

Mr. Macfarlane

Many millions of British people would think it strange if our three teams were not to participate in the World Cup because of the action of an aggressive nation. All those matters are being kept under the closest review. I cannot comment on any events that may take place during the next few weeks. However, I am in close contact with the representatives of the football authorities, both nationally and internationally.