§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on measures being taken to counteract racism at football matches.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI have been asked to reply.
The policing of football matches is a matter for the appropriate chief officers of police, whose unremitting efforts have brought about an improvement in overall crowd behaviour in the last three years. The police are committed to taking firm action against racially offensive behaviour wherever and whenever it occurs. Part III of the Public Order Act 1986 provided tough new powers against those whose behaviour is intended, or is likely, to stir up racial hatred. The football authorities and the clubs themselves also have a part to play in making it very clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated on their premises. The national membership scheme will provide them with an excellent opportunity for doing so.