Topical Questions 2023-01-26
2023-01-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Online Safety Bill has passed Third Reading and is being introduced in the Lords.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The government's programme for the King's coronation weekend aims to bring communities together through street parties and volunteering opportunities.
The Online Safety Bill reached a major milestone when it passed its Third Reading. It is now being introduced in the Lords. Last week I visited Birmingham to hear how the 2022 Commonwealth games has contributed £870 million to the UK economy. Meanwhile, another major event is heading down the tracks, with just 100 days to go until the King's coronation. The Government are helping to deliver a historic weekend that will bring our country and communities together.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the specific ask for a statement on her departmental responsibilities.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There has been much conjecture in the press about differing rules on transgender people participating in elite sports.
Could my right hon. Friend give an update on her position, to ensure that we protect the integrity of women's sports? There is a need for clarity and consistency in the rules applied across all athletes regardless of gender identity.
On all sport, the Government are clear that a way forward is needed that protects and shows compassion to all athletes. We are also clear that sex has an impact on the fairness of competitive women's sport. Fairness should be the primary consideration. We need a common-sense approach in this area, which is why I am holding a roundtable with domestic governing bodies in the coming weeks, and working with UK Sport on an international engagement plan.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about her position but acknowledged the need for fairness and compassion.
Working On It
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The DCMS shortlisting panel for the BBC chair had close links to the Conservative party. There are concerns about conflicts of interest and transparency in Richard Sharp's appointment.
So what does the Secretary of State think it was about the close confidante of the former Prime Minister who was helping with his personal finances that first attracted him to appoint Mr Sharp over the other four candidates? Does she have confidence in the process and that the actual and perceived conflicts of interest were fully disclosed?
Richard Sharp was appointed chairman of the BBC following a rigorous appointment process in line with the public appointments governance code and the BBC royal charter. The advisory assessment panel included a senior independent panel member approved by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, who praised the process as fair and robust. In addition, there was pre-appointment scrutiny by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, which confirmed Mr Sharp's appointment. I understand the current Commissioner of Public Appointments will be investigating.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly confirm confidence in the process but highlighted previous steps taken.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The RFU is implementing new tackle laws for rugby to make the game safer, but there are concerns about how these will apply at different levels of play.
Will the Minister agree in principle that the rules and laws of any sport should apply equally to all those who take part?
My hon. Friend has spoken to me on a number of occasions about this issue. As I said to him, these national and international governing bodies are independent of Government, but he raises important points that I will be more than happy to raise in my next meeting with the RFU, and perhaps he and I can have a further discussion about this in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct agreement on equal application of rules but offered to discuss it.
Will Discuss
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The BBC chair Richard Sharp's appointment is under scrutiny due to potential conflicts of interest.
Does the Secretary of State believe the public think it is ever acceptable for anyone to donate hundreds of thousands to a political party and then be appointed by that same political party to a plum public post—in the case of BBC chair Richard Sharp, having been interviewed, we now learn, by a panel including another Tory party donor? Rigorous—really?
As I have already stated, there was a rigorous appointment process, in line with the public appointments governance code and the BBC royal charter. In addition, the House of Commons' own Select Committee confirmed Mr Sharp's appointment.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address public perception but repeated details about the process.
Repeated Statement
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
Terrestrial broadcast TV and radio serve as a lifeline for vulnerable communities. There are concerns about the future support of these services.
Will my right hon. Friend commit to ensuring that broadcast TV and radio will be supported well into the future, so that everyone can enjoy these services?
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the importance of terrestrial, particularly to the most vulnerable communities. We have committed to ensuring that it is in place until at least 2034, and we are supporting the continued use of spectrum for that purpose. We have also commissioned a study to ensure that we are fully aware of how TV habits are affecting this.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The advent of music streaming has been positive for new talent but has raised concerns about fair pay for musicians.
Will the Government accept that the recorded music industry and streaming culture need a complete reset, and will they play their full part in getting all the players around the table so that we have fair pay for all?
I thank the hon. Lady for highlighting this issue. The Competition and Markets Authority has already looked into that and was not concerned about competition issues in relation to some of the platforms, but we are looking at this as an intellectual property question. The relevant Minister in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and I will have a roundtable on this issue, to ensure we are fully across it and to highlight its importance.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to a complete reset but acknowledged ongoing review.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Creative sectors, including music and cinema, are worried that proposed exemptions for artificial intelligence from copyright protections could undermine the rights of creators.
The Secretary of State is aware of the exemption proposed for AI in text and data mining. Creative industries are concerned this could destroy their copyright protections. Are Ministers carefully examining these concerns?
We are looking carefully at the proposals, have launched a period of stakeholder engagement to consider evidence received, and aim to develop a proportionate response.
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Assessment & feedback
The specifics of the creative industry's concerns were not directly addressed.
Under Review
Stakeholder Engagement
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Nick Cave criticized a song created by AI, calling it a grotesque mockery of human creativity.
The Minister saw Nick Cave's response to an AI-generated song mimicking his style. Does the Minister agree that creating such music using AI is destructive to humanity and does not meet artistic standards?
I have not heard the song but will look it up. We aim to develop a balanced approach with industry input for the creative industries sector vision, including AI-related issues.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address Nick Cave's specific views on AI-generated music being destructive and grotesque.
Looking It Up
Balanced Approach
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Laura Drysdale is the director of Restoration Trust in Cromer, working to help those with mental ill health through access to heritage sites.
North Norfolk has stunning heritage landscapes known for their positive impact on mental health. Will my right hon. Friend thank Laura Drysdale for her work and support her National Lottery Heritage Fund bid?
I acknowledge the benefits of heritage sites on mental health and appreciate the extensive work done by volunteers. The Government are proud of them, but do not directly thank Laura Drysdale or address her fund bid.
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Assessment & feedback
Laura Drysdale's specific contribution and her National Lottery Heritage Fund bid were not addressed.
Acknowledging Benefits
Not Thanking Specifically
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
The Peacehaven library is facing a downgrade, with potential loss of space and opening hours despite high levels of educational need.
Peacehaven has over 23,000 people without further education provision, high free school meals rates, and below average literacy and numeracy. Despite this, the library is being downgraded from 900 to 300 square metres with reduced opening times. Will the Minister call for appropriate libraries in large towns? Will DCMS publish guidelines on library size and hours based on population?
Libraries are managed by local authorities. DCMS engaged with Peacehaven's local authority to understand their plans and implications. The Secretary of State can intervene via a local inquiry if a comprehensive service is not provided.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific downgrade concerns in Peacehaven were not directly addressed, focusing on the general power for intervention instead.
Local Authority Responsibility
Engagement With Council
Response accuracy