HC Deb 31 October 1995 vol 265 cc180-1

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Bill be now read a Second time.—[Lord James Douglas-Hamilton.]

8.25 pm
Dr. Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Port Glasgow)

I have no wish to hold up the House, but I have an important question about clause 18, in part II, entitled Sporting events: control of alcohol etc". It has been suggested that the sanction contained in the clause should not apply to sporting events at which all the participants take part without financial or material reward". I must remind the Minister of a recent cricket match in Glasgow where there was something of a stramash. It was suggested by a number of witnesses to that unholy incident that those involved were decidedly under the influence of alcohol.

I do not want to force a Division—I suspect that I would not be very popular if I did so—but, because of the increasing habit of drinking alcohol at amateur as well as professional events, the Minister should think again about clause 18(2).

8.26 pm
The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord James Douglas-Hamilton)

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his remarks. We are making certain inquiries into the recent boxing match and the disgraceful scenes of violence and intimidation that took place there. The hon. Gentleman will have read in the press today that the police have been making inquiries and have followed up on them.

We are investigating the matter, but the Bill is purely a consolidation measure. It does not change the law, but we are not ruling out further changes in the future depending on the results of our inquiries.

8.26 pm
Mr. John McFall (Dumbarton)

May I concur with the comments of my hon. Friend the Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow (Dr. Godman)? As the Minister said, however, the Bill is merely a consolidation measure. The Bill is welcomed by the Opposition because it will make the law more manageable and accessible. I am also sure that it will be welcomed by public and professional bodies because of that. Although we could dispute individual aspects of the Bill, I do not think that this is the right forum for such a discussion. We welcome the consolidation measure.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time.

Motion made, and Question put forthwith, pursuant to Sessional Order [19 December], That the Bill be not committed.—[Dr. Liam Fox.]

Question agreed to.

Bill read the Third time, and passed.