§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he considers that the participation by British rugby union players in a world team in Johannesburg in July is a breach of the Gleneagles agreement; and what action he has taken or intends taking.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneYes. I have expressed the Government's concern about this short tour in a letter to the president of the Rugby Football Union. In addition, I have twice met him and the secretary of the RFU when I urged them to reconsider the involvement of their players in this tour. My colleagues with responsibility for sport in Scotland and Wales have similarly been in touch with the Scottish and Welsh Rugby Unions respectively. Regrettably, none of the home unions has been persuaded to withdraw its support.