§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what steps he has taken to ensure an adequate allocation of tickets for(a) England and (b) Scotland supporters for the forthcoming Soccer World Cup; [25893]
(2) what meetings he has had with (a) the French organisers, (b) FIFA and (c) the Football Association to secure an increase in the allocation of tickets to English and Scottish fans for the World Cup; and what the outcome of any such meetings was. [25967]
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has made to the French authorities over the ticket allocation system for the 1998 Football World Cup; and if he will make a statement. [26267]
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§ Mr. BanksTicketing for the 1998 World Cup Finals is a matter for the football authorities. I understand that 60 per cent. of tickets have been allocated to the French domestic market, 20 per cent. to FIFA approved travel agencies, and 20 per cent. to FIFA itself. Most of the tickets earmarked for FIFA for each game will be allocated to supporters of the competing countries' teams. I am concerned about inadequacy of World Cup tickets and have discussed this with the FA. I know that both it and the Scottish Football Association are doing everything that they can in making representations to FIFA to maximise the number of World Cup tickets available for English and Scottish supporters. The Government will continue to support the FA in its efforts to secure additional tickets.