§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his Department's preparations for Euro 96. [24264]
§ Mr. MacleanThe Association of Chief Police Officers has developed plans in conjunction with the National Criminal Intelligence Service, the Football Association, the Home Office, the Department of National Heritage, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department of Transport, the Football Licensing Authority and the Football Trust. A group comprising representatives of these various bodies meets regularly. Ad hoc discussions with other agencies have also taken place.
There will be a national police co-ordinating centre in central London with links to eight regional centres being set up in the same areas as the football stadiums hosting the matches. Representatives from the police forces of each of the participating nations will be present to assist with dealing with any problems that may arise in respect of the visiting fans.
118WKey features of these plans include the use of modern technology to transmit images of those involved in any disorder quickly to the regional centres; the use of closed circuit television at the stadiums to contain incidents before they can get out of hand; and the use of police intelligence officers or "spotters" to assist in the identification of known hooligans. Any persons intending to cause disruption will be identified and dealt with swiftly.
A European working group has been established to help with the development of the policing plans. We are confident that, with the great amount of effort being put into this competition, Euro 96 should prove to be an enjoyable and thrilling event for the hundreds of thousands of spectators who are expected.