HC Deb 07 April 1989 vol 150 cc300-1W
Mr. Patnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the Football Association and the Football League to submit their proposals for a national membership scheme for football to him; when he expects to have concluded his consideration of the proposals; and when he estimates that the scheme will be fully implemented.

Mr. Moynihan

Subject to parliamentary approval of the Football Spectators Bill, we hope that a body set up by the Football Association and the Football League will be appointed as the Football Membership Authority to run the national membership scheme. To that end they are already engaged in detailed consideration of the proposed scheme through the establishment of a joint working party.

Provided that the Bill achieves the Royal Assent by the summer recess the football authorities are aiming to submit a draft scheme by 31 August and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will then consider the draft in the autumn. It is expected that the scheme will be implemented in full in spring 1990 subject to the appropriate technology being in place.