§ 8. Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what consultations she has had with the rugby football unions of the five nations in the five nations championship concerning its inclusion in the schedule of listed events. [16358]
§ Mr. SproatRepresentatives from the English and Welsh rugby football unions were among those who participated in a meeting with my officials last month to discuss issues raised in my Department's discussion paper on broadcast sports rights. The meeting covered a range of general issues, including the contents of the list of protected events.
§ Mr. MorganDespite Wales having lost yet again on Saturday and despite me becoming for the past 48 hours the first in-patient that the Samaritans have ever had, does the Minister agree that this matter is important for the long-term future of the game of rugby football, and for inspiring young people to take up the game and for helping pensioners who may not have Sky—some of whom may be old enough to remember Wales winning a rugby match—to watch the game? Was not the list of eight events that left out the five nations championship drawn up defectively? Should it not be put right at the earliest opportunity?
§ Mr. SproatI thought that Wales, although they were beaten yesterday, put on a terrific show and I hope that they will smack the French in the next match.
The hon. Gentleman knows that not all the home unions want the Five Nations to be a listed event. However, the Government are considering that event and the question of listed events is kept under review. No doubt, the House will have the opportunity to discuss the matter during proceedings on the forthcoming Broadcasting Bill, when it comes to this place.
§ Mr. WallerHas my hon. Friend had any discussions with the Rugby Football League about the inclusion of rugby league events in the schedule? Does he agree that 10 the trick must be to try to ensure that rugby league receives proper remuneration for sports rights, while, at the same time, the maximum number of viewers have access to the important games?
§ Mr. SproatMy hon. Friend gets the balance right. I think that some 26 out of the 32 professional rugby league clubs were, or are, insolvent and in desperate need of the money that comes from television sports rights. At the same time, we want the maximum coverage on television so that people who cannot get to games can be inspired by, and enthused about, the sport.