§ Mr. Denis Howell asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many times since 1979 he has convened, under ministerial chairmanship, the football crowd behaviour working party; what reports he has received about serious crowd misconduct during the current football season at matches at home and abroad; and if he will take steps in this connection to protect the reputation of British people abroad and their safety whilst travelling to and from and being spectators at football matches.
§ Mr. Macfarlane:This working party has not met since 1978, some 10 months before the right hon. Member left office.
I have received two reports about crowd misconduct during the current football season, one at home and one abroad. Nonetheless, only last week I met the chairmen of the Football Association and Football League to discuss football hooliganism generally.
The good sporting reputation of British people abroad is being marred by a small minority of hooligans. It is my firm intention to take every step open to me to try to resolve this difficult problem. With this in mind I shall be maintaining a regular dialogue with the football authorities.
296Wborough has been informed that a decision on its application awaits the outcome of discussion between my Department and the London Boroughs Association on an overall programme of site provision for the outer London boroughs. In this connection, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I have given to his other question today.