§ 9. Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what discussions she has had this season with the Football Association about the current problems facing premier league soccer. [37931]
§ Mr. SproatMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have regular meetings with the governing bodies of football.
§ Mr. BanksI am very reassured by that answer. As the sweeper in the ministerial team, is the hon. Gentleman succeeding in communicating some of the problems that affect premier football at the moment? He mentioned the £700 million that BSkyB is putting in, which is going to a limited number of clubs. The admission price excludes many people, and the Marc Bosman judgment has implications for the domestic transfer market. Those are all serious matters, causing football supporters concern, and I hope that the Minister will show some concern himself.
I hope that, if the Minister does nothing else this week, he pays close attention to the welfare of British supporters travelling with their clubs to European cup competitions. When Manchester United went to Turkey—it will return this week—its supporters were used for baton practice by the Turkish police. Will he ensure that British travelling supporters are well looked after?
§ Mr. SproatThe hon. Gentleman raises an extremely important point. What happened to Manchester United the last time it visited Turkey was disgraceful, but that is unusual. Leeds at Eindhoven was another example. But by and large—I have investigated this matter as far as I can—there is no evidence that British fans are picked on when they go abroad. I very much hope that Manchester United fans get a smooth passage, as they wish.
§ Mr. John MarshallWill my hon. Friend join me in condemning the yobbo-like behaviour of the Aston Villa goalkeeper on Saturday? Does he agree that yobbo-like behaviour by premier league players can only encourage yobbo-like behaviour in the crowds?
§ Mr. SproatI agree with my hon. Friend without reservation.
§ Mr. PendryThe Minister will be aware that the present Government have failed to provide any significant structural or financial support to the hosting of the Euro 96 football tournament. He will also be aware that the Football Association plans to bring the World cup here in the year 2006. Will he therefore be more proactive, and seek a meeting with the FA to discuss its problems and offer practical support?
The Minister, Euro-sceptic or not, might like to consider the approach of the French, who are hosting the next World cup. They have established an interministerial committee, based in their Prime Minister's office, to co-ordinate their World cup activities. Or must we accept that only under a Labour Government will a World cup bid receive such positive support?
§ Mr. SproatWe will give every possible promotional help to the FA or to the other football authorities in the 453 United Kingdom, to help them bring the World cup here. In the past few days, I had a discussion with Mr. David Davis about that matter, and we have arranged to hold a further meeting, at which I and other members of the FA can decide what best may be done.