Mr. Andersonasked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to state the result of his inquiries into the collapse of a stand at the semi-final match of the Rugby League at Rochdale; whether he is prepared to take the necessary steps to see that in future all stands for use by the public at football matches shall be certified as safe for use; and whether he will also take the necessary steps to ensure that an adequate number of police officers are in attendance where large crowds are assembled, so that proper control of large assemblies of people will prevent a recurrence of the distressing scenes at Rochdale?
§ Sir S. HoareAs a result of inquiries I am informed that the roof of a stand collapsed under the weight of persons who had persisted in climbing on to it in spite of the efforts of the police to prevent them doing so. Under the Public Health Act, 1890, local authorities have powers in respect of the construction of stands for seating the public, but this accident was not due to any defect in the seating accommodation.
699WThe Chief Constable of Rochdale is keeping in touch with the owners of the club so as to ensure that if the use of the ground for matches attracting large crowds is continued, additional precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the public. The whole question of precautions for the safety and control of crowds at sports grounds was the subject of a committee appointed in 1924, and the general position is, from time to time, reviewed by the Home Office in consultation with chief officers of police who are fully aware of the importance of the grounds being adequately policed.