Topical Questions 2022-01-06
2022-01-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Conversion therapy is described as a horrific abuse targeting LGBT young people, with concerns about its online promotion.
So-called conversion therapy is a horrific abuse of the most vulnerable in society. The introduction of the online safety Bill should coincide with progress on banning conversion therapy. Can the Secretary of State guarantee that online promotion of this terrible abuse will be banned in all circumstances in the Bill?
The online safety Bill will be before the House shortly. I cannot answer the hon. Lady's specific question because it is not a policy area of my Department.
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Assessment & feedback
Guarantee that online promotion of conversion therapy will be banned in all circumstances under the Bill
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
A local rugby league world cup event involved primary schools, demonstrating the energy and enthusiasm for grassroots sport. There is a desire to support these initiatives further.
There was an incredibly successful rugby league world cup in Keighley involving 12 primary schools each representing different countries. We can do more to support grassroots sports. What additional steps can the Department take to support primary schools and sports foundations?
The Chancellor announced an additional £205 million for community football pitches and multi-use sports facilities. Since 2019, Sport England has distributed over £180,000 to support grassroots sport in the constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a lack of ambition to make Britain a world leader on high-speed broadband. Telecom companies are using legal actions against community groups, and there's a request to review the scope of the telecoms bill.
Happy new year. There is no ambitious plan for 5G connectivity due to reforms in 2017. Telecoms companies are abusing sports clubs, churches, local authorities by slashing rents and pursuing them legally. Will the Government look again at the scope of the telecoms Bill to ensure fair rent evaluations and improved broadband across the UK?
We have proposed legislation for wireless and broadband connectivity. We will engage further on these issues but believe we have struck a balance between mobile network operators and those who receive rents.
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Assessment & feedback
Fair rent evaluations under the telecoms bill, improved 5G connectivity
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The Minister is asked to encourage national broadcasters to play the national anthem and ensure BBC restores it at end of day's programming.
Will he take steps to encourage national broadcasters to play the national anthem and ensure that the BBC restores it before switching to News 24?
We support the singing of the national anthem. Organisations like schools are free to promote it, and we want more people to hear the national anthem.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State appointed a candidate as Chair of the Charity Commission, who had to resign after a week due to an inappropriate photo incident.
There was déjà vu over Christmas with the appointment of a preferred candidate for Charity Commission chair. The appointee resigned within a week when it was found he sent a photo in Victoria's Secret store. Does no vetting happen during appointments? Can we ensure a smoother process next time?
We review our processes constantly and comply with the governance code. The candidate passed through interview and cross-party Joint Committee processes.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific improvements to appointment process for Charity Commission chair
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
Grassroots football clubs are frustrated at being unable to access excellent school facilities. The Minister is asked about discussions between the Department and DFE on opening up these facilities.
What discussions have taken place with the DFE about opening up school facilities for grassroots sports clubs?
We are working on the school sport and activity action plan, allocating additional money in the spending review for this purpose.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Children and young people watch mainly streaming services over Christmas, raising concerns about the use of British Board of Film Classification age verification system.
Would it be a quick win to require all streaming services to use the British Board of Film Classification age verification system, as Netflix does but Disney doesn't?
We are looking at this issue actively. Ratings are already voluntary for some companies like Netflix.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific requirements for streaming services to use BBFC age verification system
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns have been raised about potential misuse of safety regulations and manuals by officials in the Department, which may have inadvertently impacted a specific situation.
If there is evidence that officials in the Department have inadvertently advised the Secretary of State on the application of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the HMRC film production company manual, would this be of concern to her, and would she agree to meet me and my constituent about this matter?
I have met my hon. Friend in my office and we have discussed at length the situation regarding transport between film venues. It seems to fall into a difficult area. I have written to the Secretary of State for Transport and am awaiting his response. When I have had his response, I will revert to my hon. Friend further.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific concerns about advice given by officials regarding safety regulations and manuals were not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
The Football Index, a financial trading platform related to football betting, collapsed, causing significant losses for many individuals. The question addresses the adequacy of reforms made by the Secretary of State's Department in response.
The minor reforms made as a result of the collapse of the Football Index by the Secretary of State's Department are thin gruel for my constituents who lost thousands through that scam. What are the Government doing to ensure that both the Gambling Commission and the Financial Conduct Authority are fit for purpose, and that my constituents get the justice that they deserve after the collapse of that scam, the Football Index?
The Gambling Commission has revoked the licence of the Football Index's operator. The individuals have surrendered their personal licences. The matter has been referred to the Insolvency Service, which is investigating allegations of directors' misconduct. It has the power to conduct criminal investigations and criminal prosecutions, including for fraud if appropriate. On the broader question of compensation, there is no statutory basis upon which compensation can be paid to people who have lost money as a result of the collapse of a betting firm, but the investigations by the Insolvency Service are ongoing.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy