HC Deb 11 February 1997 vol 290 cc110-1W
Mr. Pendry

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is the Sports Council's policy towards sporting events held on public highways. [13925]

Mr. Sproat

I understand the English Sports Council encourages sports bodies to stage sporting events at the most appropriate venue. Where events are held on the public highway, the council wishes to see that the safety of competitors is ensured by careful planning and organisation.

Mr. Pendry

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what meetings she has held with the Home Secretary regarding the policy of the Association of Chief Police Officers towards sports events held on public highways. [13924]

Mr. Sproat

None. I understand the policy of the Association of Chief Police Officers has been, for a number of years, to encourage organisations to hold events away from the highway in local parks or sports stadiums. This stems from their concerns about the safety of participants, and the danger to other road users. There are certain events which are treated as exceptions to the policy, the most notable example being the London marathon, where the police and the highway authorities are content that the event cannot be held off the road.