§ 4. Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what are the expected start and finishing dates for his Department's review of the scope for consolidating or simplifying the legislation on sports ground safety.
§ Mr. SproatThe review will begin as soon as is practicable.
§ Mr. Austin-WalkerI share the concern about safety and recognise that, post-Hillsborough, all-seater stadiums appeared to be the correct approach. Is the Minister aware, however, of the tremendous financial burden that that places on some clubs and of the desire of fans for standing areas? Does his recent visit to Risley with my hon. Friend the Member for Stalybridge and Hyde (Mr. Pendry) represent a step towards the possibility of providing safe standing areas at our football grounds?
§ Mr. SproatTwo points have been raised by the hon. Gentleman. He is right to say that the cost is extremely great. Indeed, over the 10 years between the response to the Taylor report in 1990 and the year 2000, the cost will be some £600 million for the top two English divisions alone—that does not include sports such as rugby league—so—that is an extremely important point. As to my visit to Risley, I thank the hon. Member for Stalybridge and Hyde (Mr. Pendry) for arranging it. I am extremely grateful to him for that very interesting meeting. I shall look in detail at what I learnt at that meeting.