§ l8. Mr. Peter L. Pike (Burnley)What representations he has received on charges to football clubs for policing in relation to football matches. [40280]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. George Howarth)My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked me to 18 congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Burnley and the Prime Minister's official spokesman, who is also a Burnley supporter, on the club managing to stay up this season.
Two letters have been received recently from my hon. Friend, on behalf of Burnley football club, about charges for policing at matches. I understand that discussions between the police and the club on charging levels are continuing, with a view to reaching an amicable solution. I hope that my hon. Friend will shortly find that that has happened.
§ Mr. PikeIn response to my hon. Friend's opening remark, I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on Blackburn Rovers qualifying for Europe by the skin of their teeth yesterday.
The problem is that charges for reserve and off-ground policing proposed for next year by Lancashire police for Nationwide league clubs such as Burnley are not acceptable because those clubs are struggling to survive. Burnley, which is one of the best-supported teams—certainly in the second division—could not afford to meet the proposed costs.
§ Mr. HowarthMy hon. Friend is well aware that discussions are taking place, and I am sure that the points that he has made will be taken fully into account before a solution is arrived at. I am confident that the talks are making progress, and I hope to report that there will be a solution in the near future.