§ Mr. JannerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has on how many people were injured at the recent New Kids on the Block concerts on 28 April at Whitley Bay and 29 April at the Brighton centre; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenI understand from the police that, in addition to those people who received minimal first aid treatment at the events themselves, three people were referred to hospital during the concert which took place at Whitley Bay ice rink on 27 April with what could be termed injuries and another four during a second concert at the same venue on 28 April. Fifteen people were referred to hospital during the concert at Brighton on 29 April, but this was a precautionary measure on a very hot day and412W none had any appearance of injuries. All were discharged later that night. Responsibility for the licensing of public musical events of this kind, including the stipulation of appropriate measures to ensure crowd safety, is a matter for local authorities in conjunction with the police and the fire authority. The Health and Safety Executive is currently working on new guidance on safety at pop concerts.