Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 6 January 2022 · 9 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kirsten Oswald asked about banning online promotion of conversion therapy; the Secretary of State cannot provide a guarantee as it is not within their Department's purview.
  • Robbie Moore inquired about supporting primary schools and sports foundations in Keighley; the Department highlighted additional funding for community sports facilities.
  • Chris Elmore questioned the Government's stance on telecoms Bill reforms for fair rent evaluation; the Government believes they have struck a balance between operators and renters.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Women & Equalities
Context

Conversion therapy is described as a horrific abuse targeting LGBT young people, with concerns about its online promotion.

Question

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?

Answer from Nadine Dorries

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Guarantee that online promotion of conversion therapy will be banned in all circumstances under the Bill

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Q2 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

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.

Answered
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Q3 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Science & Technology
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Julia Lopez

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Fair rent evaluations under the telecoms bill, improved 5G connectivity

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Q4 Andrew Rosindell Reform Romford
Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Chris Philp

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.

Answered
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Q5 John Nicolson SNP
Standards & Ethics
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Nadine Dorries

We review our processes constantly and comply with the governance code. The candidate passed through interview and cross-party Joint Committee processes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific improvements to appointment process for Charity Commission chair

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Q6 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Education Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

What discussions have taken place with the DFE about opening up school facilities for grassroots sports clubs?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

We are working on the school sport and activity action plan, allocating additional money in the spending review for this purpose.

Answered
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Q7 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Julia Lopez

We are looking at this issue actively. Ratings are already voluntary for some companies like Netflix.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific requirements for streaming services to use BBFC age verification system

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Q8 Andrew Selous Con
Employment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Nadine Dorries

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific concerns about advice given by officials regarding safety regulations and manuals were not directly addressed.

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Q9 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Chris Philp

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.

Answered
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