HC Deb 11 June 2002 vol 386 c1169W
Mr. Lyons

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assistance is being given to support the bid of Scotland and Ireland to stage the 2008 European Football Championships. [60232]

Dr. Howells

The Government consider the Scotland and Ireland bid to be a strong one, and will give their full support. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met the Scottish Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport on 18 March to discuss how DCMS may best support the bid team's efforts. To date, central Government support has centred on the provision of the formal guarantees required by UEFA. As well as a statement of UK Government support for the bid, these included commitments from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Home Office, HM Customs and Excise and other Departments, covering issues of work permits, immigration control and value added tax.