§ Mr. GrieveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to make it a criminal offence for members of the crowd at sporting events to set off fireworks; and if he will make a statement. [9481]
§ Mr. DenhamThe police already possess extensive powers for tackling the setting off of fireworks at sporting events, including powers under the Public Order Act 1986. This matter was examined as part of a recent review of cricket disorder when it was decided not to extend football-related legislation to other sporting events, none of which have comparable disorder problems.