§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to introduce the mandatory wearing of protective headwear for the sport of boxing.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe Government have no plans to introduce the mandatory wearing of protective headwear for boxers. That is a matter for the governing bodies of boxing to consider.
§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to improve safety precautions for those taking part in the sport of boxing.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe Government have no such plans. British boxing is already subject to stringent medical safeguards. Any further safety precautions are for the amateur boxing associations and the British Boxing Board of Control to consider.
§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to the most common permanent and temporary injuries sustained as a result of the sport of boxing.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe most common injuries sustained in amateur boxing are of a minor nature such as bruises, sprains and cuts. Major injuries include dislocations and fractures. In England in 1987 there were 117 minor and 10 major injuries out of some 30,000 competitors actively engaged in amateur boxing. The British Boxing Board of Control does not keep records on the incidence of injuries in professional boxing, but their advice is that major injuries are rare. All boxers, both amateur and professional, are required to undergo medical examinations before a bout.