Topical Questions 2022-10-20

2022-10-20

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Sarah Green Lib Dem
Chesham and Amersham
Context
A dispute with the land developer has forced Chiltern Open-Air Museum to cancel events, raising concerns about its future.
The Chiltern Open-Air Museum in my constituency is a much-loved part of the local community's culture and history and frequently used as a filming location. Sadly, a dispute with the developer, who owns the freehold to the museum's land, has forced it to cancel the Halloween spectacular and give up several other opportunities to raise vital funds on which the museum relies. Does the Minister agree that museums such as these are essential in preserving local and national history, and will he join me in supporting local efforts to allow the museum to thrive?
The hon. Lady is right to highlight the importance of museums. Our Department is aware of the situation that she has raised and the Arts Council has been in direct contact, but I will keep a close eye on this and will keep her updated on any progress.
Assessment & feedback
no concrete support or actions mentioned beyond keeping an eye on it
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Harriett Baldwin Con
West Worcestershire
Context
There are still parts of West Worcestershire where constituents struggle to access high-speed internet due to the voucher scheme process.
Having a good internet connection these days is as important as being connected to the electricity grid, and yet there are still parts of West Worcestershire where my constituents struggle to put together consortia of vouchers to enable the roll-out. Can the Minister look urgently at the whole process and see whether she can find a quicker and easier way to get this essential service to every rural part of the country?
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting her particular concerns in West Worcestershire. We obviously share her desire to get great connections to everybody as quickly as possible. We are reviewing the voucher scheme and checking that it is working correctly at the moment and seeing whether it can be enhanced.
Assessment & feedback
no concrete review or timeline given, just a general statement of review
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Rachel Hopkins Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Context
The BBC's Digital First plans will lead to the current “Look East” service in Cambridge being axed, potentially affecting local news coverage.
Under the BBC's Digital First plans, the current “Look East” service based in Cambridge will be axed, meaning that news about my Luton South constituency will be covered by journalists in Norwich, some two-and-a-half hours away by car. Will the Secretary of State ask Ofcom to consider whether this would constitute a breach of the BBC's charter obligations, which require it to ensure that all audiences are able to fully engage with major local issues?
I am happy to take the matter away and come back to the hon. Member.
Assessment & feedback
no action or commitment from Secretary of State, only a vague promise to return with an answer
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Context
The fan-led review is crucial for the protection of community clubs and providing sustainability in the game.
Community clubs such as Accrington Stanley are at the heart of constituencies such as mine in Hyndburn and Haslingden. The fan-led review is crucial in protecting community clubs and providing sustainability and fairness in the game. Can the Minister please update me on the Government's position on the fan-led review?
I understand the importance of and the attachment that many fans have for the fan-led review and recognise that this is a very important sport nationally. Obviously, as a new Minister, I want to take the time to look at it in detail, which is what I am doing at the moment.
Assessment & feedback
no specific update provided, just a statement about reviewing it
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Judith Cummins Lab
Bradford South
Context
There is a levelling-up bid to transform Odsal stadium, the iconic home of the Bradford Bulls, in light of economic uncertainty.
With the men's competition kicking off last Saturday and the women's and wheelchair teams due to get going next week, the rugby league world cup is getting into its stride. To secure the legacy of this great event and Bradford's being city of culture 2025, I am backing an ambitious levelling-up bid to transform Odsal stadium, the iconic home of the Bradford Bulls, which is in my constituency. With the recent economic uncertainty, I am concerned that the bid could fall by the wayside. Will the Minister show Bradford that the Government are serious about levelling up and visit Odsal stadium with me?
It seems, following the earlier question from the hon. Member for Bradford East (Imran Hussain), that I am going to have a day trip to Bradford, which I am more than happy to do, considering that it is right next door to my constituency.
Assessment & feedback
no commitment to visit Odsal stadium specifically
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
The Kettering constituency needs more full-fibre and gigabit-capable broadband services.
We need more full-fibre and gigabit-capable broadband in the Kettering constituency. Can we have it sooner rather than later?
I welcome my hon. Friend constantly holding my feet to the fire on Kettering's gigabit capability. He is actually above the national average, with 88% of premises in his seat having gigabit-capable broadband, but I am glad to say that we are doing more. We will be awarding a procurement next year to try to tackle all those bits we have not yet reached.
Assessment & feedback
no clear timeline or specific action mentioned beyond stating ongoing work
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Dave Doogan SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Context
The Scottish Government have had to invest £600 million in speeding up broadband roll-out due to the slow pace of Westminster's roll-out.
Despite Scottish Tory rhetoric, broadband and telecoms are entirely reserved to Westminster, but because of the slow pace of Westminster's roll-out the Scottish Government have had to invest £600 million in speeding up broadband roll-out, which the UK is now using as a springboard for its own roll-out. Can the Minister now promise that the Scottish Government will receive a proportionate share of the UK Government's £5 billion funding—money that the Scottish Government were forced to spend and should not have had to spend if the UK Government had had their act together?
My understanding is that some of the main challenges come from the Scottish Government's R100 programme, which is making the roll-out rather challenging. His colleagues in Scotland have asked for Scotland to have more than the per premises cap, basically asking us to give more money to Scotland than we are giving to other parts of the country. I do not think that is fair, and I do not think we should be paying for the mistakes of the regime.
Assessment & feedback
no commitment or promise on funding allocation
Attack
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
Derby County football club went into administration last year due to poor governance, narrowly avoiding bankruptcy before being rescued by a local supporter. The fan-led review made recommendations for better governance.
A year ago, I and colleagues had to intervene when Derby County went into administration and nearly went out of business. Can the Minister assure the House that the fan-led review's recommendations will be fully implemented to improve governance in football?
The need for reform within football is demonstrated by Derby County's situation. The matter is being taken seriously, and a review is underway to ensure it is done correctly.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm full implementation of the recommendations
Taking Time To Review
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The Government plans for commercial text and data mining exemption could allow AI companies to scan images freely, despite Getty Images banning such practice. This concerns the photography sector.
The Association of Photographers is concerned about the Government's plans for copyright exemption for commercial text and data mining. How will the Government protect photographers as AI technology evolves?
Some of the hon. Lady's concerns are shared, and a meeting is planned to address these issues.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide protection measures for photographers
Will Be Meeting Ministerial Counterpart
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
UK radio listeners need to find British broadcasters like the BBC and commercial radio, especially as access is controlled by global tech companies.
What steps are being taken to ensure UK radio listeners can find British broadcasters on smart speakers managed by global tech firms?
The media Bill announced in May 2022 aims to address this issue, but parliamentary time must allow for its introduction.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify steps being taken currently
Media Bill Will Be Introduced When Time Allows
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Tan Dhesi Lab
Slough
Context
Charities in Slough face increased demand with fewer donations due to the cost of living crisis. The local food bank reported a 66% increase in annual usage.
Charities are struggling as more people need help but can't donate due to the Government's handling of the cost of living crisis. How will the Government ensure these organisations can operate through winter?
The energy price guarantee helps with costs, and sectors are being supported during challenging times.
Assessment & feedback
Did not outline specific steps for supporting charities through winter
Working With All Sectors
Response accuracy
Q12 Direct Answer
Context
Representatives from the creative industry would welcome the media Bill if it dropped provisions affecting Channel 4.
The creative industry supports the media Bill but requests that provisions affecting Channel 4 be removed. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss this issue?
My right hon. Friend would be delighted to meet the Member to discuss.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Clive Betts Lab
Sheffield South East
Context
The fan-led review made recommendations for better football governance, including an independent regulator and fair funding distribution.
There is support for the fan-led review's principles. Can we have a commitment from the Front-Bench team to implement these principles—an independent regulator, fairer funding, and no parachute payments?
The hon. Gentleman's points are noted; all details will be checked before making commitments.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to implementing principles of the fan-led review
All Details Need Checking
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
There is support for a fairer financial distribution throughout the football league pyramid.
What discussions has the Minister had with the Premier League and English Football League to encourage fair money distribution across the football league pyramid?
Discussions have been held with both organisations, but reform commitment is firm at this stage.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details of specific discussions or commitments
Discussions Happening Across Groups
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Context
The main telecommunications cable to Shetland was cut in the early hours, causing limited access to phone and broadband services for emergency services and families.
The main telecommunication cable to Shetland was cut this morning. Can we get a full statement on what is happening? Additionally, can there be a proper look at service resilience?
An update will be provided before end-of-play today, and resilience is important.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to a full statement or improved service resilience
Update Before Play Ends
Response accuracy