§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what are the organisations and individuals which he has consulted on extending mandatory all-seated accommodation to sports grounds other than football grounds designated under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975; what are the methods by which and the dates on which such consultations will take place; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what are the organisations and individuals which he plans to consult on extending mandatory all-seated accommodation to sports grounds other than football grounds designated under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975; what are the methods by which and the dates on which such consultations will take place; when the consultation period will be completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenDuring the course of last year Home Office officials held separate discussions with members of the executive committee of the rugby league, with officials of the rugby football union and, together with colleagues from the Welsh Office, with officials of the Welsh rugby 287W football union. We have consulted and are currently awaiting the views of the Association of Chief Police Officers on the extension of mandatory all seated accommodation to these sports. My right hon. Friend will make a statement in due course. No consultations have been held with the cricket authorities because most designated cricket grounds are already wholly or substantially all seated. The designation of sports grounds under the 1975 Act is confined to grounds used for association football, rugby league, rugby union and cricket.