§ 11.14 a.m.
§ Lord GainfordMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they would consider the possibility of financing safety grants at English 3rd and 4th division soccer grounds.
§ Baroness TrumpingtonNo, my Lords, there is no power to do so under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975. This is properly the responsibility of the owners of these grounds.
§ Lord GainfordMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer. Is there no provision as regards 3rd and 4th division grounds that suddenly have a much larger crowd of fans than expected? I am thinking particularly of the early matches of the FA Cup and perhaps the Milk Cup when a 1st or 2nd division team may be drawn against one from the 3rd and 4th division at the lower division's home ground.
§ Baroness TrumpingtonMy Lords, this situation arises only rarely, but some grounds occupied by clubs in the lower divisions are already designated and would therefore be subject to safety certificate requirements. I understand that in the situation set out by my noble friend it is usual for the small host club to contact the local police, who will advise them on maximum safe numbers that the stadium will hold, plus the number of policemen required inside the stadium.
§ Lord StallardMy Lords, that is a very disappointing reply from the noble Baroness. With all due respect. does she really understand the enormity of the problems that face these 3rd and 4th division clubs in the circumstances described? Has she ever in fact been to a football match and does she understand the game?
§ Baroness TrumpingtonMy Lords, it is now 12 years since when I was Mayor of Cambridge I kicked off for Cambridge United, since when I have never been to a football match. I am only hoping that I shall not kick an own goal during this Question.