§ Miss HoeyTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment she has made of the inquiry into football financial dishonesty held by the football authorities; what is the role of the Department of National Heritage; and when she expects the report to be passed to her. [39798]
§ Mr. SproatThe football governing bodies are independent of Government and the Department of National Heritage therefore has no role in the FA Premier league's commission of inquiry into player transfers. I am satisfied that the commission's first interim report, concerning Mr. George Graham, and the subsequent rule changes and codes of conduct adopted by the Premier league indicate that the football authorities are serious in their commitment to ensure the highest possible standards within the game. I look forward to the commission's subsequent reports when they are ready.