§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what communications were sent by Ministers in his Department to Manchester 763W United concerning the club's participation in the FA Cup (a) before 29 July and (b) since 29 July; and if he will make a statement. [94710]
§ Kate Hoey[holding answer 19 October 1999]: The then Minister for Sport's letter of 10 June to Roland Smith was the only such communication.
I very much hope that a solution can be found and that Manchester United do compete in this season's FA Cup. Manchester United's exemption from the competition is ultimately something which only the FA could offer and only the Manchester United Board could decide to accept. Clearly any solution has to be acceptable to both these parties.