§ 86. Mr. William Priceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his recent discussions with Football League officials about violence at football grounds.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe purpose of my meeting with the football organisations and chief officers of police at the beginning of the season was to discuss what could be done by football clubs to cut out hooliganism. I emphasised the value of proper co-operation with the police and with the railway authorities and I have left the clubs in no doubt that it is for them in the first place to decide who should be admitted to their matches.
With the co-operation of the football organisations I am issuing a questionnaire to all major clubs on the practical steps they have taken to give effect to the recommendations of the Lang Report and to other suggestions made to them about ways of dealing with misbehaviour by supporters both inside and outside their grounds. I intend to keep a careful watch on the situation.
§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what 175W action he intends to take to reduce hooliganism at football matches in the 1970–71 season.
§ Mr. MaudlingI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave today to a Question from the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. William Price).
§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to end violence and hooliganism at football league matches; and if he will make a statement regarding his meeting with a Football League delegation on Thursday, 13th August.
§ Mr. MaudlingI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave today to a Question by the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. William Price).