§ Mr. David YoungTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessments have been made of the financial effects on smaller football clubs of the compulsory introduction of a pass for members, of the effect of such a scheme on violence in town centres and on the workload of local police forces.
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§ Mr. Moynihan[holding answer 16 December 1988]: It is not possible to estimate the financial effects of the scheme until its details, particularly the technology to be employed, have been settled. But a company with considerable experience of membership schemes at individual clubs has said that with co-operation from the football authorities and proper marketing and management, the scheme could be set up and run at no cost to the clubs.
The scheme is an important element of the Government's efforts to break the link between football and hooliganism. As these take effect, I hope they will help to reduce all football-related violence both inside grounds and elsewhere, and consequent demands on the police service.