§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in implementing proposals to curb football violence.
§ Mr. MonroMany proposals have been made for tackling these problems. I believe that the most practical ones have generally been adopted by the responsible authorities, and that this has contributed to the lower incidence of serious disturbances this season than in previous years.
But the Government are far from complacent. We have been giving very careful consideration to the steps that might be taken to combat football hooliganism. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has recently announced plans for the number of attendance centres to be increased. In addition, my right hon. Friend is to hold jointly with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport a working conference on violence on public transport; difficulties arising during the transport of football supporters will certainly be among those matters to be examined. I hope shortly 699W to meet the football authorities and hooliganism will be one of the matters for discussion.