§ Mr. John Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Minister with responsibility for sport has recently offered advice to other political parties on the advisability of attending international rugby matches in view of the proposed tour of South Africa by the Rugby Football Union.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneNo.
§ Mr. John Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent requests he has received seeking further discussion on the proposed tour of South Africa by the Rugby Football Union.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneNone.
§ Mr. John Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the Minister with responsibility for sport intends to attend in his official capacity any of the international Rugby Football Union matches at Twickenham this season.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneAs Minister with responsibility for sport I am usually invited by the Rugby Football Union to attend one international fixture during the season. I attended the game against New Zealand on 19 November. I do not anticipate, therefore, receiving any further formal invitations this season.
§ Mr. John Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Minister with responsibility for sport has approached individual members of the Rugby Football Union committee to ascertain their views on the proposed tour of South Africa.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneNo. However, my duties as Minister with responsibility for sport involve frequent, often informal, discussions with many of the leading figures in sport in this country, including some who are members of the RFU committee.