§ 22. Hugh BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations the Government have made to the Football Association and other football bodies about the sale of club grounds without making alternative provision for training and games. [43163]
§ Mr. CabornNeither I nor my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has made representations to the Football Association or the other football authorities about the sale of club grounds.
These are primarily commercial issues for clubs' managements. However, the Government fully appreciate that clubs' grounds are important parts of the communities 566W they serve. That is why Supporters Direct was set up by the Government last year to advise and assist football supporters wishing to get involved in the responsible running of their football clubs.
Supporters Direct has recently been involved in setting up successful rescue packages for clubs whose primary assets, including their grounds, have been threatened.