Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Desmond Swayne and Caroline Dinenage

Thursday 5th November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Caroline Dinenage]

My hon. Friend is right to bring this issue to our attention. We understand that this remains a challenging period for many organisations in the arts and entertainments sector. Some £258 million of the cultural recovery fund has been held back with a view to offering further support based on evidenced need later in the financial year. Meanwhile, organisations can, of course, take advantage of the financial support measures that were made available by the Government and recently extended, including the various business grant and loan schemes, and the furlough scheme.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the criteria for allowing singing in public during the covid-19 outbreak.

[The Minister for Digital and Culture (Caroline Dinenage)]

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has engaged extensively with Public Health England to provide clear guidance on singing. The development of the guidance enabled both professional and non-professional activity to take place in a covid-secure manner in a range of settings and contexts over recent months. However, in line with new restrictions coming into force today, amateur activity can no longer take place.

[Sir Desmond Swayne]

I am glad that my hon. Friend has confirmed that at least professionals can continue to rehearse and perform. When will the rest of us be allowed to sing again without some marshal or other agent of her totalitarian state seeking to prevent us?

[Caroline Dinenage]

I am sure that, like me, Mr Speaker, you are holding your breath until the day that we can both enjoy my right hon. Friend’s impressive falsetto once again, but in the meantime I am pleased to confirm that performing arts professionals may continue to rehearse, train and perform for broadcast, recording or livestream purposes. Of course, the intention after this four-week period is for an easement of restrictions back into the tiered system that previously operated throughout the country, in which case my right hon. Friend will be able to be in fine tune, to all our great delight, once more.

Arts, Culture and Heritage: Support Package

Debate between Desmond Swayne and Caroline Dinenage

Tuesday 7th July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Caroline Dinenage]

As I say, we will be setting out in the next few days and weeks exactly how the package will work,  how people can apply for the money and what the restrictions will be on the amount that can be applied for.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

Has the Minister listened to “The Archers” recently? It is suicidal. Will she reflect on the fact that the majority of us are more likely to die by our own hand than we are from the virus?

[Caroline Dinenage]

I will reflect very hard on that. I am a great fan of “The Archers”, obviously.