HC Deb 12 June 1985 vol 80 cc462-3W

Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the Football League concerning safety at football grounds.

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement about recent discussions he has had concerning safety of sports grounds.

Mr. Macfarlane

A working group has been set up under my chairmanship to consider the implications of the extension of designation under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 to divisions 3 and 4 of the Football League. It is composed of representatives of the Football Association, the Football League, the Football Trust, the Football Grounds Improvement Trust, the Pools Promoters' Association, the Sports Council, the Scottish Office and the Welsh Office. The group first met formally on 23 May.

At its next meeting on 19 June the group will be considering a report from FGIT based on surveyors' visits to all English and Scottish League grounds. This subject was also discussed when I met the Football League together with the Football Association on 17 May.

I have also met the chairman and Secretary of the Rugby League and asked them to report on what the implications would be of the extension of designation under the Act to divisions 1 and 2 of the Rugby League.

I understand that Mr. Justice Popplewell, who is chairing the inquiry established by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, will be seeking evidence from a number of sports governing bodies.