§ Mr. Denis Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether consultations were held with the Football Association before the Minister with responsibility for sport publicly criticised its commercial judgment concerning the sponsorship of England's participation in the World Cup.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI have not criticised the Football Association's commercial judgment, only their choice of mascot—the cartoon caricature "Bulldog Bobby".
§ Mr. Denis Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, as a matter of urgency, he will consult the Football Association about the financial and other considerations that affect the success of the Football Association's sponsorship of England's participation in the World Cup.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI have told the Football Association chairman that I am willing to discuss with him any aspects of England's participation in the World Cup. But these commercial considerations are primarily matters for the Football Association as the governing body for football.