§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning his policy on membership cards for football supporters in Cardiff, Wrexham and Swansea; what consultations he has had with the Sports Council Wales and football clubs in Wales concerning membership cards for football supporters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristI am gravely concerned at the problem of football hooliganism and I will continue to monitor carefully the situation in Wales.
The Government have announced their intention to bring forward proposals for legislation to give statutory backing to a national membership scheme for all clubs in the Football League, which include Cardiff, Wrexham and Swansea. A working party under the chairmanship of the Football Association, the Football League, the Government and the police is to be set up to look at the details.
I have also asked the Football Association for Wales for a report on the proposal which it outlined to me during a meeting with its president and secretary on 22 March 1988 for the introduction of a membership card system for all Welsh supporters. The Sports Council for Wales has not been specifically consulted, as this matter is primarily one for the football authorities, the Government and the police to address.