§ 20. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will arrange to meet the football authorities to discuss the crowd arrangements for the England v Scotland football match at Wembley.
§ Mr. MonroAs I told the hon. Member on 4 March I have a continuing dialogue with the football authorities on many matters affecting the game.—[Vol. 1000, c. 118–19.] However, the overall responsibility for arrangements for international football matches in England lies with the Football Association. The association works closely and responsibly with the police, stadium and transport authorities, all of whom have a vital part to play. Proposals are already in hand to try to avoid the unpleasant scenes surrounding the 1979 game against Scotland. I see no point in Government intervention.