§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will seek legislation to enforce a rule that the medical inspection of boxers before entering the ring should include an electro-encephalograph, in view of the recent regrettable news concerning the Italian opponent of the British boxer Alan Minter.
§ Mr. Denis HowellI fully share the concern of my hon. Friends over this tragic incident but the medical inspection of competitors in a sporting event is not a suitable subject for general legislation. It is for the governing body of the sport concerned to take any necessary steps, and I understand that the British Boxing Board of Control has called for full reports on the case in question with a view to considering appropriate action. I will discuss this matter with the Board after it has considered the reports.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will hold discussions with interested parties about the medical standards set and examinations carried out on boxers, especially those taking part in international contests.
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§ Mr. MarksI refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Lewis).
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to provide for control, with the British Boxing Board of Control, of the regulations controlling international fights, with particular reference to the length of each contest, and the number of rounds fought, the medical regulations governing such contests and the examination of contestants before fighting, and the power of referees to stop fights.
§ Mr. MarksAs my right hon. Friend explained today in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Lewis), it is for the governing body of the sport to take any necessary steps of this sort.