To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent representations she has received on reviewing the regulations relating to standing areas at football grounds; and if she will make a statement. (119102)

My Department has received 88 letters on this issue since August 2006, including 73 from hon. Members and the others from supporters’ groups calling for a return to standing terraces or for standing in seated areas. This issue was also raised in a meeting I had with the Football Supporters Federation last year. In addition, I have held meetings with the football authorities. They have made it clear that they have no wish to re-introduce standing areas at grounds in the top two divisions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will review the regulations governing standing areas at football grounds with a view to allowing standing in certain areas. (119321)

We look at all new evidence to ensure the legislation covering safety in sports grounds remains relevant and is the best means to ensure spectator safety, including the all-seater requirement. In doing so we consider the advice of the football authorities. They have made it clear they have no wish to re-introduce standing area at grounds in the top two divisions.

The safety of spectators at football grounds is paramount and we have seen no new evidence to suggest that there is a single more effective way of achieving safety as well as public order than all-seater stadia. We therefore have no plans to amend the legislation at this time.