§ Mr. BrightTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has about the effect on the level of violence of Luton Town football club's ban on visiting supporters; and if he will enter into discussions with the Football Association and the Football League with a view to the extension of such a scheme throughout England.
§ Mr. MoynihanI have seen the report of the chief constable of Bedfordshire showing the success of the first season's experience of the members only scheme at Luton Town FC. That success has continued so far this season; there have been no arrests, no ejections from or injuries sustained in the ground and no incidents of criminal damage attributable to football supporters in the town. As I said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Welwyn, Hatfield (Mr. Evans) on 4 November, at column920, I applaud Luton's approach and congratulate it on the example it has shown. Other clubs are pursuing membership schemes of their own, but there is compelling police evidence that the 100 per cent. scheme which Luton has adopted cannot be extended throughout England.
§ Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he plans to advise the Football420W League and the Football Association that they should introduce a 100 per cent. members' only scheme to combat hooliganism; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanI refer to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 4 November, at column920. I have no plans to advise the football authorities that they should introduce members only schemes. I acknowledge the success of the members only scheme at Luton Town FC, but compelling police evidence at many other grounds exists to show that such schemes would not be appropriate at all clubs.