§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will have consultations with the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Football League about the effects on sport and the general public of any independent television contract for the exclusive televising of football matches; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McElhoneNo. This is not a matter in which it would be appropriate for me to intervene.
I understand that the question of the recently negotiated contract between the Football Association and an independent television company has been referred to the Director General of Fair Trading. No such agreement has been entered into by the Scottish football authorities and I do not think that it would be proper for me to intervene at this stage.