§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will meet the Northern Ireland Federation of Clubs to seek agreement(a) on protecting legitimate clubs and (b) on controlling illegal activity in other clubs. [25379]
§ Mr. MossThe proposals for a draft Registration of Clubs Order (Northern Ireland) 1996 which I published on 30 January contained, among other things, new provisions to deal effectively with illegal activity in clubs. These provisions were introduced at the express request of the police who, I understand, have written to the Federation of Clubs setting out the reasons why they regard their introduction as essential. I am satisfied that the draft order strikes the right balance between protecting clubs that commit minor or irregular offences and providing the courts with the powers to deal adequately and effectively with clubs that commit serious and persistent breaches of the law. In the circumstances, therefore, I see nothing to be gained from a meeting with the federation to discuss these issues.