§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has regarding fatalities among spectators at sporting events during the past 10 years.
§ Mr. John Patten[holding answer 20 April 1989]: The Office of Population Censuses and Surveys has published statistics relating to fatal accidents in England and Wales occurring during sporting and leisure activities since 1982. The figures for fatalities amongst spectators are as follows:
Number of fatalities Year Number 1982 2 1983 1 1984 3 1985 56 1986 1 1987 4 Source: OPCS 'Monitor' reference DH4.
Notes:
The 1985 figure does not include one fatality at Birmingham City football ground.
Figures for 1988 not yet available.
In addition, I understand that two people died in 1980 as a result of the collapse of a pillar at Ayresome Park football ground, Middlesbrough.