§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will study the difficulties created for police and public at major sporting events and other popular entertainments by ticket touts; if he will take steps to reduce these problems; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewI am not aware of any major difficulties caused by ticket touts which cannot be dealt with by the police using their existing powers.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will introduce legislation to make it illegal to sell tickets for major sporting events and other popular entertainments at a price above ticket face value without permission of the promoter;
(2) if he w ill introduce a system of increasing penalties for those found guilty of successive offences of touting tickets; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewOffering tickets for sporting or other events at a price above their face value is not in itself a criminal offence. The Government have no plans for legislation on the lines which the hon. Member suggests.