§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the bilateral agreements with472W Norway and the Republic of Ireland to allow domestic courts to impose restriction orders on those convicted of football offences abroad were agreed. [37075]
§ Mr. MichaelThe Football Spectators (Corresponding Offences in Norway) Order 1996 (Statutory Instrument Number 1634) and the Football Spectators (Corresponding Offences in the Republic of Ireland) Order 1996 (Statutory Instrument Number 1635) both came into force on 1 August 1996.
§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the levels of punishment for crimes committed under the Football Offences Act 1991. [37074]
§ Mr. MichaelThe Labour Charter for Football published in 1995 proposed that the threshold for the offence of indecent or racist chanting under section 3 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991 should be lowered to catch chanting by an individual as well as chanting in concert with one or more others. The Football Task Force Report entitled "Eliminating Racism From Football" has endorsed that proposal. We are awaiting a suitable legislative opportunity to introduce this amendment but would look for the practical recommendations contained in the Task Force Report as a way forward until such time as a suitable opportunity arises.
We are presently conducting a review of all football-related legislation to see whether any further changes should be made.