HC Deb 21 October 1991 vol 196 cc363-4W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will call for a report from the chairman of the Sports Council on the reasons for his remarks about rugby league football at the recent launch of the Rothmans rugby union yearbook.

Mr. Atkins

I do not intend to call for a report on the matter raised by the hon. Member. I understand that, on the occasion of the USA v. Italy rugby union game at Otley on 5 October, the chairman of the Sports Council discussed the press accounts of his remarks with the chief executive of the Rugby League. The full text of the statement made at the launch of the rugby union yearbook contains a substantial endorsement of the management skills of the Rugby League, not least in promoting its sport. I understand that both governing bodies now regard the matter as closed.