Health: Concussion in Sport

Baroness Billingham Excerpts

Thursday 27th February 2014 Grand Committee

[Baroness Billingham (Lab)]

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Addington, for this debate. After listening to all the previous speakers, there is not much left to say. That is a good job because I have just been told that I have two minutes. Despite that, I am undaunted.

The purpose of this debate is to show that we are living in changing times. Only days ago, we were being thrilled by the Olympics and seeing people whizzing down slippery slopes on trays and so forth—all potentially lethal. At the weekend we saw the England and Wales rugby; if ever there was a clash of titans, that was it. In past times we would have accepted the odd bang or fall and expected play to resume fairly quickly. However, these are new times. The recent medical evidence has brought with it a far more cautious approach. The long-term effects cannot be ignored. In fact, the medical evidence has already affected the views of parents and participants in a whole range of sports. Rugby union, as has been said, is under more scrutiny than ever. It is now apparent that parents are refusing to allow their children to play that sport, which is something we all ought to be concerned about.

All sports played at either a competitive or non-competitive level share the possibility of injury. However, life is strange, and it is not only contact sports which have become the focus of public attention and apprehension. Three weeks ago, I went to the ballet at the Royal Opera House. Before it began, the house manager came forward and said that two of the dancers had collided at the matinee that day and had mild concussion. Previously, there would not have been an issue, but the manager said that he was very sorry but they were unable to dance tonight and the ballet was cancelled. In the old days, it would have been on with the show.

We have to be very careful now. This is a game-changing period. We cannot ignore advice, and we have to be sensible. The Government must take their responsibilities keenly. We do not want to spoil or lose the beauty and wonder of our sport, but we must ensure that people taking part are fully protected. I look forward to the Minister’s reply.