HC Deb 07 December 1983 vol 50 c307
5. Mr. Hayward

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will draw up plans to deal with British hooligans and vandals on holiday in Spanish resorts next summer.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I very much deplore any cases of hooliganism by British tourists abroad, but the question of controlling the behaviour of holidaymakers and tourists is, of course, a matter for the local authorities.

Mr. Hayward

Will my right hon. and learned Friend please ensure that any efforts by consuls in different parts of Europe next summer are concentrated on people who suffer illness or injury, rather than on those who get themselves into difficulties through their own actions?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I wish that it were in my power to ensure that. Certainly it would be far better if the work of our consuls were directed in that fashion. Unhappily, a minority of British tourists—no doubt they are not alone—embark on incidents of hooliganism and do great damage to the reputation of this country.

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