§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if it is the Government's policy to encourage Wimbledon football club to relocate to Northern Ireland. [35270]
§ Mr. Paul Murphy[holding answer 19 March 1998]: I believe that, in general, major sporting and cultural events can bring significant direct and indirect economic benefits to Northern Ireland, help to bring the two sides of the community together, and assist in projecting a more positive image of the area to an international audience. The relocation of any football or other sporting club to Northern Ireland is, however, a matter for that club and the relevant governing bodies in the sport concerned.
§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which Minister authorised civil servants in her Department to seek to persuade Wimbledon football club to relocate to Northern Ireland. [35269]
§ Mr. Paul Murphy[holding answer 19 March 1998]: There has been some exploratory correspondence and discussion at both Ministerial and official level initiated by a group of Northern Ireland business people about their outline concept for building a new sports stadium in 754W Belfast. There has been no contact between civil servants and Wimbledon football club seeking to persuade that club to relocate to Northern Ireland.