HC Deb 04 March 1996 vol 273 cc36-7W
Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on recent meetings between representatives of professional soccer authorities and members of his Department in respect of the granting of work permits to overseas soccer players wishing to play in the United Kingdom. [18175]

Mrs. Gillan

There has been a useful first meeting with representatives of the Football Association, Premier League, Football League and the Professional Footballers Association. Further meetings are to be held with the football bodies and it is hoped to complete the found of discussions shortly.

Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to meet authorities involved in professional soccer to discuss the issuing of work permits to overseas footballers seeking to play in Britain; and if she will make a statement. [18211]

Mrs. Gillan

The Department is currently holding meetings with the representative bodies of professional football to discuss the criteria applying to the transfer between clubs of players holding work permits. I shall be announcing final decisions in outstanding cases shortly.

Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when she expects a work permit to be issued to Mr. Marc Hottiger to allow him to play professional soccer in the United Kingdom. [18212]

Mrs. Gillan

Mr. Hottiger already holds a work permit to play professional football for Newcastle United. An application by Everton to employ Mr. Hottiger is under consideration and I hope to make a decision on this case shortly.