HC Deb 25 January 1989 vol 145 cc633-4W
28. Mr. John Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the proposed football membership scheme.

Mr. Moynihan

I have received over 1,800 representations on a wide range of issues relating to the idea of a scheme, most of them against the idea. In addition, I have received a large number of proposals to implement the scheme from computer companies and others.

Mr. John Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from football authorities on the proposed football membership scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moynihan

The football authorities contributed fully to the working party I chaired on the national membership scheme and agreed the report which the working party produced. They have made it clear that they are opposed to the principle of the scheme but have confirmed that they will co-operate with the Government in producing a workable scheme.

I wrote to the president of the Football league and the chairman of the Football Association on 17 January inviting them to confirm that the football authorities would wish to take on responsibility for the FMA. I understand that the president of the League has said they will do so and I welcome this.

63. Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the latest meeting held between his Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and the chairmen of Football League clubs.

Mr. Moynihan

I had a useful and constructive meeting about the Football Spectators Bill with the chairmen of many of the league clubs on 17 January. I have accepted an invitation from the Football League to meet club chairmen again on 26 January.

73. Mr. John Carlisle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to meet the chairman of the Football League to discuss proposed legislation on a football membership scheme.

Mr. Moynihan

I wrote to the president of the Football League and the chairman of the Football Association about the Bill on 17 January, I look forward to meeting them soon.

97. Mr. Pendry

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he next intends to meet representatives from the Football Supporters Association and the National Federation of Football Supporters Clubs to discuss identity cards.

Mr. Moynihan

At the meeting I held with the FSA and NFFSC on 6 December about the proposed national membership scheme I said that any further views that both organisations wished to express would be welcomed. I also said that I would be happy to meet both organisations again following the introduction of the Football Spectators Bill.

100. Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has had any discussions with the chairman of the Sports Council since the publication of the report of the working party on the proposed national football supporters membership scheme.

Mr. Moynihan

I have not discussed the proposed national membership scheme for football supporters with the chairman of the Sports Council. I have, however, seen the council's press release of 9 January. I welcome the chairman's comments about the commercial opportunities that the scheme would provide.