Topical Questions

Answer from Michelle Donelan

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.

Answer from Michelle Donelan

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.

Answer from Michelle Donelan

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.

Answer from Stuart Andrew

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.

Answer from Michelle Donelan

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.

Answer from Julia Lopez

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.

Answer from Julia Lopez

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.

Answer from Paul Scully

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.

Answer from Paul Scully

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.

Answer from Stuart Andrew

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.

Answer from Paul Scully

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.