§ 10. Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what steps she is taking to ensure the continued implementation of the recommendations of the Taylor report. [12226]
§ Mr. SproatThe Government remain committed to delivering essential football ground safety improvements agreed following the Taylor report.
§ Mrs. PrenticeI thank the Minister for that reply. He is clearly aware of the problems facing the lower league clubs in implementing the safety work at their grounds following the impact of the national lottery on the Football Trust income from pools companies. He will also be aware that the Football Trust has now put a moratorium on any further awards. When he meets the Football Trust, will the Minister take a positive approach to ensure that all possible solutions are examined to ensure that those clubs can implement that important safety work?
§ Mr. SproatThe hon. Lady makes an extremely important point. She is certainly accurate in saying that the Football Trust has suffered because of the effect of the lottery on the pools industry. I am meeting 670 Lord Aberdare of the Football Trust on 5 March. Today the Sports Council is considering whether or not the Football Trust can be helped by the lottery. Above all I hope that all sports—particularly football which will receive some £700 million—that benefit from broadcasting rights will use some of that money to improve safety at sports grounds.