HC Deb 25 July 1990 vol 177 c260W
Mr. Gerald Bowden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has on the percentage of police strength deployed on traffic activities; and what is the estimated cost of the policing resources which are absorbed by traffic-related tasks.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

In 1989 approximately 8 per cent. of the total police strength in England and Wales was deployed on specialist traffic duties. The proportion of non-specialist officer's time spent on traffic matters is not recorded. The cost of police resources devoted to traffic-related tasks could not therefore be reliably estimated.

Mr. Ward

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Football Association and the Football League about implementation without delay of the recommendations contained in Lord Justice Taylor's report into the Hillsborough stadium disaster.

Mr. John Patten

My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State has had such a discussion on behalf of my right hon. and learned Friend. My right hon. and learned Friend was unable to attend because of an urgent commitment in the House. My right hon. and noble Friend has also written to both organisations making clear the Government's view that it is for the football clubs in the first instance to respond to the recommendations in Lord Justice Taylor's report which are addressed to them. We shall be looking to the Football Licensing Authority in due course to keep us informed about progress. In the meantime arrangements have been made for regular meetings between officials of the Football Association, the Football League and the Government Departments most closely concerned, at which such matters can be discussed.

Mr. Ward

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will impose strict annual targets on British football clubs for introducing seating for spectators.

Mr. John Patten

We have no plans to do so. The primary responsibility for responding to Lord Justice Taylor's recommendations for the progressive removal of standing accommodation rests with the football clubs themselves. Provided that satisfactory progress is being made towards the final target dates of 1994 for first and second division clubs, and 1999 for third and fourth division clubs, we will not expect clubs to comply with a rigid programme for the reduction of standing accommodation or for the introduction of additional seating.