§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what discussions he has had with the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding crowd disturbances at test matches following the game against South Africa at Edgbaston on 4 June; [46042]
(2) what discussions he has held with the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding its plans to control crowd behaviour during the cricket world cup in the United Kingdom in 1999. [46049]
§ Mr. MichaelMy right hon. Friend has not had any discussion with the England and Wales Cricket Board on these matters. The Association of Chief Police Officers is responsible for co-ordinating policing arrangements for the cricket world cup. In October 1997, the association held an initial meeting with the tournament organiser appointed by the England and Wales Cricket Board. A co-ordinating group consisting of the organiser and representatives of the 17 forces involved in policing arrangements for the cricket world cup met in January and April, and further meetings are planned. One of the purposes of these discussions is to ensure that there is a consistent approach by stewards and police officers to the behaviour of spectators. West Midlands police held discussions with Warwickshire country cricket club before, during and after the Edgbaston test.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the total number of cricket-related arrests in each of the past 10 cricket seasons, broken down by(a) test matches, (b) one-day internationals, (c) Sunday league, (d) Benson and Hedges, (e) Nat West and (f)county championship games. [46048]
§ Mr. MichaelThe Home Office collects information on the total number of arrests but it is not possible to determine those which are cricket-related.