Topical Questions

Question

The Wigan & Leigh short film festival, which took place last month, was once again extremely successful. It is a fantastic opportunity to gather like-minded creative individuals from the local area to celebrate and showcase up-and-coming talent from around the world. That is just one example of the enriched film and TV culture that is so vibrant in my constituency. I wholeheartedly welcome the Government's announcement of tax reliefs to create jobs and boost our creative industries—

Question

The Secretary of State believes that it is not good policy that counts, but good vibes: the violent indifference that led to a booming creative sector is no longer; the culture war is over; and we, the vanquished, submit ourselves for re-education along with the rest of the public. The problem is that every DCMS sector tells us that they want more than vibes; they need decisions and they want a Budget that will deliver. Can she tell us whether she is among the panicked Ministers who have written to the Chancellor about the Budget and their spending asks, and which has she listed as her priority?

Question

I spoke to some of the DCMS stakeholders who went to the investment summit, and they came away worried. They see a Government who absolutely milk their stardust, but all they hear is new taxes, new employment regulations, other Departments riding roughshod over DCMS interests and delays to decisions. Can the Secretary of State be specific? When she says that she is “putting rocket boosters” under the creative industries, what does that mean in practice?

Question

In March 1974, a Turkish Airlines jet crashed while flying from Paris to London. More than 400 people were killed. Among them were 19 members of the Bury St Edmunds rugby club. It was the greatest disaster to befall the town in living memory. This year, 60 cyclists cycled from Paris to Bury St Edmunds, raising £200,000 in their memory. Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating these bold cyclists?

Question

Women are those most often criminalised for non-payment of the licence fee. The BBC charter review offers an opportunity for the Government to look at this issue again. Will the Government consider decriminalising non-payment of the licence fee?

Question

I recently visited the fantastic Shinfield Studios in the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Earley and Woodley (Yuan Yang) and saw the huge value that our creative industries can bring to my constituents. Will the Minister please tell me what the inclusion of the creative industries in the industrial strategy and the huge investment delivered at the investment summit last week will deliver for my constituency and others like it?

Question

I draw attention to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. Eastbourne art galleries such as the Towner and Devonshire Collective VOLT—it made the tie I am wearing—contribute so much to our town and to our country, but the sector faces serious financial pressures. Will the Minister meet me and a delegation of art galleries to discuss them?

Question

My constituency is the birthplace of rugby league, and it is important at both professional and community levels. The RFL received £1 million from Sport England last year. What steps are being taken to support long-term investment in rugby league?

Question

When mobile providers started to turn off the 2G and 3G networks this year, we were told it would not impact existing services. However, there is an issue now with telecare devices relying on public switched telephone networks. Will Ministers investigate the switch-off impact and ensure necessary improvements for full network coverage?

Question

The Freight House and Kursaal in my community used to be important sites but now sit vacant. Does the Minister agree that regenerating these cultural sites is central to a prosperous community?

Question

I urge the Secretary of State and ministerial team to consider the listed place of worship grant scheme when dealing with Treasury spending review issues. It should not be trimmed back. Will they take this into account?

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that we need greater fan representation on football boards to ensure accessibility? The football governance Bill will significantly advance fan protection. What support can be offered?

Question

Central Government can contribute to the initiative of East Devon district council providing £207,000 for young people's sports facilities. How can central government support this?

Question

The Minister for Creative Industries visited during the election campaign for a heritage project. While welcome, such projects are expensive and time-consuming. What can be done to support heritage projects around the country?