§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will introduce legislation to make it an offence for members of the crowd at(a) international cricket matches and (b) other sporting events to enter the field of play without good reason while the match is in progress; and if he will make a statement;[759]
(2) what action the Government are taking to improve public safety at international cricket matches; and if he will make a statement; [758]
(3) if he will introduce legislation to make it an offence for members of the crowd at (a) international cricket matches and (b) other major sporting events to set off fireworks; and if he will make a statement. [761]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 25 June 2001]The Minister of Sport and I met representatives of the English Cricket Board (ECB) on 27 June to discuss the incidents at Headingly, Trent Bridge and Lords. A joint review group, comprising representatives of the ECB, Home Office, Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Association of Chief Police Officers, was asked to examine all aspects of crowd management, existing legislation and ground regulations to identify how the cricketing authorities could minimise the potential for further incidents.