§ Ms. Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will discuss with the Football Association the implications for Her Majesty's Government's policy on equal opportunities of the FA's rule forbidding mixed football; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TraceyThe Football Association and the Women's Football Association both encourage the participation of everyone in the game. As with most14W physical sports, however, the view of both associations is that while very young children of either sex may compete on equal terms, the interests of competitive football are best served by separate competitions for men and women at the junior and senior level. I see no need to offer advice to the FA or the WFA on this view or any inconsistency between it and the Government's approach to equal opportunities.