Topical Questions 2024-10-17

2024-10-17

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Jo Platt Lab Co-op
Leigh and Atherton
Context
The Wigan & Leigh short film festival was successful in showcasing up-and-coming talent, indicating the vibrant creative industry culture in the constituency.
The Wigan & Leigh short film festival, which took place last month, was once again extremely successful. It is a fantastic opportunity to gather like-minded creative individuals from the local area to celebrate and showcase up-and-coming talent from around the world. That is just one example of the enriched film and TV culture that is so vibrant in my constituency. I wholeheartedly welcome the Government's announcement of tax reliefs to create jobs and boost our creative industries—
I completely agree with what my hon. Friend was about to say.
Assessment & feedback
Specific ask not addressed
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Julia Lopez Con
Hornchurch and Upminster
Context
The previous government's policies were criticized for their negative impact on the creative sector, leading to a need for policy decisions and budget allocation.
The Secretary of State believes that it is not good policy that counts, but good vibes: the violent indifference that led to a booming creative sector is no longer; the culture war is over; and we, the vanquished, submit ourselves for re-education along with the rest of the public. The problem is that every DCMS sector tells us that they want more than vibes; they need decisions and they want a Budget that will deliver. Can she tell us whether she is among the panicked Ministers who have written to the Chancellor about the Budget and their spending asks, and which has she listed as her priority?
I am not entirely sure what the “vibes” issue is, but I will say that I do not need to write to the Chancellor. Unlike under the previous Government, we have a very close relationship and we tend to pick up the phone when discussions need to be had. Alongside the Chancellor, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and the Prime Minister, I was pleased this week to welcome £63 billion of investment into the UK to put creative industries at the heart of our economic strategy.
Assessment & feedback
Budget priorities not detailed
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Julia Lopez Con
Hornchurch and Upminster
Context
DCMS stakeholders expressed concerns about the Government's approach to creative industries, particularly regarding new taxes and employment regulations.
I spoke to some of the DCMS stakeholders who went to the investment summit, and they came away worried. They see a Government who absolutely milk their stardust, but all they hear is new taxes, new employment regulations, other Departments riding roughshod over DCMS interests and delays to decisions. Can the Secretary of State be specific? When she says that she is “putting rocket boosters” under the creative industries, what does that mean in practice?
As I announced to the House last week, it means introducing an independent film tax credit, which the previous Government talked about for several months and did absolutely nothing about. I have to say to the hon. Lady that after the legacy that her Government left, which has brought our proud country to its knees, it takes some brass neck to stand at the Dispatch Box and criticise this Government.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures not fully detailed
Criticising Opposition
Response accuracy
Q4 Direct Answer
Peter Prinsley Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Context
A Turkish Airlines jet crash in March 1974 killed 19 members of the Bury St Edmunds rugby club, leading to a memorial event this year.
In March 1974, a Turkish Airlines jet crashed while flying from Paris to London. More than 400 people were killed. Among them were 19 members of the Bury St Edmunds rugby club. It was the greatest disaster to befall the town in living memory. This year, 60 cyclists cycled from Paris to Bury St Edmunds, raising £200,000 in their memory. Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating these bold cyclists?
I thank my hon. Friend for his important question. I congratulate the cyclists on completing their fantastic ride and on the impressive sum of money that they raised. I pay particular tribute to Austin Cornish, the organiser of the ride, whose father died in that crash.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Richard Holden Con
Basildon and Billericay
Context
Women are disproportionately criminalised for non-payment of the BBC licence fee, an issue that could be addressed in the upcoming charter review.
Women are those most often criminalised for non-payment of the licence fee. The BBC charter review offers an opportunity for the Government to look at this issue again. Will the Government consider decriminalising non-payment of the licence fee?
I thank the right hon. Member for raising this important issue. I am deeply concerned by the number of cases that have been brought to my attention since taking office of women who have fallen foul of this practice. I have personally had discussions with the BBC leadership about that. Obviously, the charter review, which we intend to start early next year, offers us an opportunity to look at these issues in the round.
Assessment & feedback
Decriminalisation not addressed
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Olivia Bailey Lab
Reading West and Mid Berkshire
Context
Shinfield Studios in the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Earley and Woodley contribute to local economies through investment and employment opportunities.
I recently visited the fantastic Shinfield Studios in the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Earley and Woodley (Yuan Yang) and saw the huge value that our creative industries can bring to my constituents. Will the Minister please tell me what the inclusion of the creative industries in the industrial strategy and the huge investment delivered at the investment summit last week will deliver for my constituency and others like it?
It is great to see my hon. Friend here. First, we want to ensure that more international movies and blockbusters are made in the UK, and we want to increase investment. With more sound stages, we should be able to challenge Hollywood. I also want to ensure that every single child in this country can consider a career in the creative industries, whatever background they come from.
Assessment & feedback
Specific benefits not detailed
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Josh Babarinde Lib Dem
Eastbourne
Context
Art galleries such as the Towner and Devonshire Collective VOLT in Eastbourne face financial pressures that need to be addressed.
I draw attention to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. Eastbourne art galleries such as the Towner and Devonshire Collective VOLT—it made the tie I am wearing—contribute so much to our town and to our country, but the sector faces serious financial pressures. Will the Minister meet me and a delegation of art galleries to discuss them?
I will happily meet the hon. Member, who makes a very good point. We have hundreds of museums and galleries across the country. Some of them receive funding directly from Arts Council England. We want to talk to Arts Council England about how we can ensure that there is more support for our museums and galleries. Some of the funding comes directly from our Department. I am happy to meet him to discuss that.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Harpreet Uppal Lab
Huddersfield
Context
The Rugby Football League has produced a national community facilities strategy stating the level of funding needed for rugby league.
My constituency is the birthplace of rugby league, and it is important at both professional and community levels. The RFL received £1 million from Sport England last year. What steps are being taken to support long-term investment in rugby league?
The Rugby Football League has received £1 million from Sport England last year. We look forward to working with the sport in the months and years ahead.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for long-term investment were not mentioned
I Look Forward To Working
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
David Mundell Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Context
Mobile providers are turning off the 2G and 3G networks along the M74 motorway network in David Mundell's constituency.
When mobile providers started to turn off the 2G and 3G networks this year, we were told it would not impact existing services. However, there is an issue now with telecare devices relying on public switched telephone networks. Will Ministers investigate the switch-off impact and ensure necessary improvements for full network coverage?
I will happily meet with him to discuss concerns about telecare devices relying on public switched telephone networks during transition.
Assessment & feedback
Impact investigation was not addressed directly
Happy To Meet
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Bayo Alaba Lab
Southend East and Rochford
Context
In Southend East and Rochford, the Freight House and Kursaal are vacant despite their cultural capital potential.
The Freight House and Kursaal in my community used to be important sites but now sit vacant. Does the Minister agree that regenerating these cultural sites is central to a prosperous community?
The Government are working with Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary ahead of devolution plans publication to ensure heritage sites can be repurposed.
Assessment & feedback
Specific agreement on regeneration was not given
Working With Housing
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
John Glen Con
Salisbury
Context
The listed place of worship grant scheme is valuable but may expire in March next year.
I urge the Secretary of State and ministerial team to consider the listed place of worship grant scheme when dealing with Treasury spending review issues. It should not be trimmed back. Will they take this into account?
The right hon. Gentleman knows well that spending review issues are a matter for the Treasury.
Assessment & feedback
Taking LPWGS into account was not addressed
Matter For The Treasury
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
My beloved Aston Villa made their first appearance in the European Cup for over 40 years, but fans faced ticket prices of £94.
Does the Secretary of State agree that we need greater fan representation on football boards to ensure accessibility? The football governance Bill will significantly advance fan protection. What support can be offered?
The Government are working with partners across the House to introduce the Football Governance Bill, which will protect fans.
Assessment & feedback
Specific support details were not provided
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Richard Foord Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Context
East Devon district council is making available £207,000 for young people's sports facilities.
Central Government can contribute to the initiative of East Devon district council providing £207,000 for young people's sports facilities. How can central government support this?
We are pleased to have announced an investment of £123 million in grassroots sports facilities.
Assessment & feedback
Specific contribution was not detailed
Pleased To Announce
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Chris Ward Lab
Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Context
Historic England recently announced a £750,000 commitment to rebuilding the Victorian arches of Madeira Terrace in Chris Ward's constituency.
The Minister for Creative Industries visited during the election campaign for a heritage project. While welcome, such projects are expensive and time-consuming. What can be done to support heritage projects around the country?
Delighted that the arches will be sorted; we want to challenge France for international visitor numbers with historical and modern mix.
Assessment & feedback
Supporting heritage projects was not addressed
Delighted
Response accuracy