§ 8. Mr. Andrew Love (Edmonton)What steps he is taking to encourage professional sports bodies to invest income from the sale of television rights in local and non-professional sport. [105944]
§ The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr. Chris Smith)Many governing bodies have signed the Central Council for Physical Recreation's voluntary code, under which a minimum of 5 per cent. of broadcasting income is invested in grass roots development. The football authorities, in particular, have recently reaffirmed their commitments to allocating 5 per cent. of future broadcasting revenues in that way. The Government are in detailed discussion with them about how best to ensure that those funds are used to improve the development of grass roots football in England.
§ Mr. LoveI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply and wish to draw his attention to the plight of Enfield Town football club, which was refused promotion because it lacked the finance to improve its facilities. Recently, it took the decision to sell its ground in the teeth of local opposition and it now has to play its home fixtures in St. Albans, which—frankly speaking—might as well be on the other side of the world. Does he agree that we need to ensure the redistribution of resources gained from television contracts to the grass roots, and that a deal providing a higher proportion would enable clubs such as Enfield Town to look forward to a more secure future?
§ Mr. SmithI say three things to my hon. Friend. First, St. Albans is a wonderful place—almost as wonderful as Edmonton. Secondly, the supporters of his local club might be interested in the initiative that we announced last week—the setting up of the supporters direct unit, which will encourage local supporters to take an equity stake in the ownership of their clubs. A line of finance is being made available by the Co-operative bank to ensure that that can happen. Thirdly, it is important that money flows from the top of football through the game to smaller clubs and grass roots football at school and park level. We are in active discussion with the Football Association and the Premier League on that issue and we hope to make some substantive announcements shortly.
§ Mr. Owen Paterson (North Shropshire)Should the television rights to racing be sold to the highest bidder?
§ Mr. SmithThe television rights to racing are a matter for the racing authorities and the broadcasters to decide. 774 However, the listed events provision ensures that the Grand National must be shown on free-to-air terrestrial television.