Mike Weatherley

Conservative - Former Member for Hove

First elected: 6th May 2010


Mike Weatherley is not a member of any APPGs
Justice Committee
11th Feb 2013 - 4th Nov 2013
Administration Committee
26th Jul 2010 - 3rd Dec 2012


Division Voting information

Mike Weatherley has voted in 942 divisions, and 19 times against the majority of their Party.

23 Feb 2015 - Serious Crime Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 78 Conservative No votes vs 151 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 201 Noes - 292
12 Jan 2015 - Consumer Rights Bill - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Conservative Aye votes vs 244 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 204 Noes - 289
12 Jan 2015 - Consumer Rights Bill - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Conservative No votes vs 244 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 290 Noes - 203
10 Feb 2014 - Children and Families Bill - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 99 Conservative No votes vs 127 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 376 Noes - 107
3 Jun 2013 - Energy Bill - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Conservative Aye votes vs 249 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 232 Noes - 287
3 Jun 2013 - Energy Bill - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Conservative Aye votes vs 252 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 20 Noes - 503
21 May 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 124 Conservative Aye votes vs 134 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 366 Noes - 161
20 May 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 99 Conservative No votes vs 121 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 150 Noes - 340
20 May 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 95 Conservative No votes vs 125 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 148 Noes - 339
20 May 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 92 Conservative No votes vs 126 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 163 Noes - 321
5 Feb 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 131 Conservative Aye votes vs 139 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 400 Noes - 175
29 Jan 2013 - Equality (Marriage) (Amendment) - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Conservative No votes vs 64 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 86 Noes - 31
30 Oct 2012 - delegated legislation - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Conservative No votes vs 228 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 275 Noes - 180
25 Oct 2012 - Badger Cull - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 15 Conservative Aye votes vs 24 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 147 Noes - 28
17 Oct 2012 - Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 2 Conservative Aye votes vs 243 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 0 Noes - 0
30 Nov 2011 - Hairdressers Registration (Amendment) - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 22 Conservative Aye votes vs 41 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 63 Noes - 67
24 Oct 2011 - National Referendum on the European Union - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 81 Conservative Aye votes vs 209 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 111 Noes - 483
20 Jul 2010 - Information for Backbenchers on Statements - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 9 Conservative No votes vs 94 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 0 Noes - 0
15 Jun 2010 - Backbench Business Committee - View Vote Context
Mike Weatherley voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 75 Conservative Aye votes vs 188 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 171 Noes - 263
View All Mike Weatherley Division Votes

All Debates

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Philip Davies (Conservative)
(20 debate interactions)
Sharon Hodgson (Labour)
(8 debate interactions)
Jim McGovern (Labour)
(6 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Ministry of Justice
(30 debate contributions)
Department for Education
(23 debate contributions)
Department of Health and Social Care
(10 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(8 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Mike Weatherley has not made any spoken contributions to legislative debate
View all Mike Weatherley's debates

Hove Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Mike Weatherley has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Mike Weatherley

12th March 2015
Mike Weatherley signed this EDM on Tuesday 24th March 2015

VAT ON WOMEN'S SANITARY PRODUCTS

Tabled by: Charlotte Leslie (Conservative - Bristol North West)
That this House is concerned about the level of Value Added Tax (VAT) levied on women's sanitary products, such as tampons and sanitary towels; notes that, whilst female sanitary products are subject to a five per cent rate of VAT, shaving razors are subject to a zero per cent rate, …
70 signatures
(Most recent: 25 Mar 2015)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 21
Conservative: 5
Independent: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Liberal Democrat: 1
The Independent Group for Change: 1
Green Party: 1
Scottish National Party: 1
View All Mike Weatherley's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Mike Weatherley, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Mike Weatherley has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Mike Weatherley

Monday 23rd February 2015

Mike Weatherley has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Mike Weatherley has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
28 Other Department Questions
19th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what contribution his Department plans to make to the EU consultation on the Digital Single Market.

I refer my hon Friend to the reply I gave to Question UIN 227250. The UK Government set out its policy in a paper published in January and is available at http://engage.number10.gov.uk/digital-single-market/.

17th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what his policy is on requiring internet search engines to incorporate trust marks and warnings to signify legal content in their algorithms and the search results presented to the consumers.

Search engines play a valuable role in guiding consumers to sources of legitimate content online. They are well placed to work with copyright owners to explore ways to promote legitimate websites in search results, taking into account any competition issues. A series of round table discussions between search engines and copyright owners chaired by my noble Friend Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister for Intellectual Property, have been productive and work continues on these important matters.

11th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the Government's policy is on the digital single economy in the EU; and what further progress has been made on setting out the UK's position to the European Commission.

The UK Government set out its policy in a paper published in January and is available at http://engage.number10.gov.uk/digital-single-market/. We want the EU to create an open, flexible digital single market with a regulatory framework that reflects the dynamic nature of the digital economy. Through the internet, consumers should be able to enjoy greater choice, lower prices, more mobility and better public services. We should also make it easier for businesses to operate online so that they can innovate, drive growth and create jobs. The Government has had several discussions with the European Commission on this point, including with Vice President Ansip and Commissioners Oettinger and Jourova.

11th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, with reference to the discussion paper, Follow the Money: financial options to assist in the battle against online IP piracy, published by the hon. Member for Hove in June 2014, what steps the Government has taken to (a) ensure that initiatives to tackle intellectual property offences by cutting advertising revenue streams have an international focus and (b) promote further collaboration between the Intellectual Property Office and equivalent bodies in other countries.

The Government has formed an Advertising Working Group, chaired by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), which includes representation from international brand holders, online advertisers and law enforcement. Its remit encompasses advertising revenue streams that originate from all territories. The Police IP Crime Unit’s Infringing Website List contains websites owned and hosted internationally and ensures that advertisers adopt a global approach to reduce advertising on websites accused of hosting and facilitating the use of copyright infringing material.

The IPO works closely with equivalent bodies such as the EU Observatory, the Commission and national IP Offices, as well as international law enforcers such as Europol and Interpol, to share our experiences and highlight best practice to help counter the international threat from online IP piracy.

11th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will take steps to increase co-ordination and accountability for intellectual property policy by establishing a cross-industry partnership between the Intellectual Property Office and the Creative Industries Council.

The Creative Industry Council is co-chaired by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Nicola Mendelsohn (Vice President Europe, Middle East and Africa, Facebook). As an agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Intellectual Property Office develops intellectual property policy to support innovation and growth, and is already fully engaged in the work of the Creative Industries Council, including the intellectual property workstream.

9th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what progress his Department has made on (a) providing further resources for and (b) expanding the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit.

In November 2014 the Government announced a further £3m of funding for the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), securing its future until 2017. This investment will ensure the City of London Police continue to focus on the important area of online crime.

PIPCU’s steering board regularly review its progress against key performance measures. Their role is to review its operational effectiveness and to consider areas of expansion if required.

9th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps he has taken to support small and medium-sized digital businesses to encourage them to create resources to educate people about intellectual property rights.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) produces a wide variety of resources to educate SMEs about the use of intellectual property (IP). The suite of online tools ‘IP for business’ includes an information booklet, a short free online learning tool, a series of IP health checks that allow businesses to assess IP related opportunities and risks for their own company, and a paid for master class providing more in depth IP knowledge. These tools will help businesses in all sectors, including digital businesses. The IPO also attends events for small businesses, providing information and signposting to advice on IP issues. In addition, the IPO provides support to business advisors, including training and networking events, to improve their understanding of IP and how it can apply to the businesses they advise.

The Intellectual Property Office also works with partner organisations to promote IP understanding and encourage the sharing of information, including any educational resources, amongst businesses.

9th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what progress he has made on an agreement with the BBC on the creation of a copyright education programme.

The department has not formalised an agreement with the BBC regarding its editorial content on intellectual property. However, the BBC has done a great deal of work in this area. In particular, the BBC has just launched a new website, Copyright Aware, highlighting and explaining the subject of copyright. The site includes a variety of resources and aims to encourage consumers and creators to deal more consciously and responsibly with creative works, recognising the effort and skill that has gone into producing them.

9th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what progress he has made on the creation of a copyright education programme.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has a programme of intellectual property (IP) education, covering all forms of IP including copyright. This IPO provides teaching resources covering all ages of education, from early years through to university. All elements of this work are developed in partnership with industry as well as IP professionals.

This year the IPO will update its crackingideas.com website to develop it into a portal for all education resources. The portal will target teachers and university tutors, providing them with a variety of resources that link into curriculum subjects to bring IP to life and make it easy to introduce IP issues including copyright into the classroom. It will bring together the various products of the IPO as well as linking to other material developed by partners. A cross section of representatives from the creative industries are providing input to the development of resources and the IPO has already commissioned focus group research with teachers to ensure that all resources are effective. The portal will complement other IPO initiatives to raise understanding of copyright, including Music Inc, a downloadable game about the music industry and the impact of piracy.

9th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what progress his Department has made on the creation of a new Intellectual Property Education Co-ordinator role.

There is not a single Intellectual Property Education Coordinator role. The Intellectual Property Office acts as a co-ordinator for Intellectual Property (IP) Education work and has a team dedicated to IP education and awareness raising. This team is working closely with industry and across government to raise understanding of and respect for all forms of intellectual property.

21st Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what plans he has to make provision for alternate means of electricity generation (a) to replace ageing nuclear power stations and (b) to meet the reduction in carbon emissions required by the Industrial Emissions Directive.

The Government has a range of measures in place to secure investment in new electricity generation capacity. As part of our reforms to the electricity market we have introduced a Capacity Market which will ensure we have sufficient reliable capacity on the system to meet demand, and Contracts for Difference to ensure we get the investment we need in low carbon capacity to meet our carbon reduction objectives.

The Government is supporting industry’s construction of new nuclear power plants via facilitative actions. Industry is currently planning a capacity of 16GW or more by 2030, exceeding the 9.4GW capacity of the existing nuclear fleet.

5th Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of digitisation and online platforms on the contribution to the UK economy of the book industry.

The Department has not made an assessment of the effect of digitisation and online platforms on the contribution to the UK economy of the book industry. However, the ‘UK Book Publishing Industry in Statistics’ produced by the Publishers Association (PA), shows that in the invoiced value of UK publisher sales of books fell 2 per cent in 2013 to £3.4bn, with a 5 per cent decrease in physical book sales and despite a 19 per cent growth in digital sales. Digital sales now represent 15 per cent of UK publishers’ total digital and physical book sales.

5th Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will request the Competition and Markets Authority to initiate an inquiry into the effect of online retailers on the book publishing market.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is aware of concerns about some online retailers and book publishing. In its Draft Annual Plan for the next year it states that it anticipates ‘the CMA’s markets work will be particularly focussed on issues relating to the digital economy’. I have encouraged those with evidence of anti-competitive behaviour to submit that to the CMA which can take a decision on what action, if any, is necessary.

4th Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent representations the Government has received from UK publishers about the share of the eBook market of online retailers.

The Government is aware of concerns about some aspects of the ebook market. We have had contact with a range of market participants and have encouraged them to submit any evidence of anti-competitive behaviour to the Competition and Markets Authority.

4th Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent assessment he has made of the value of the (a) domestic and (b) export publishing industry to the UK economy.

The Government’s Creative Industries Economic Estimates show that in 2012 the publishing industry contributed £9.7bn to the UK economy and 223,000 jobs. In 2011 these estimates showed that exports of publishing services were £1.2bn.

6th Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, when he intends to publish for consultation the draft Statutory Instruments for the implementation of section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013.

The Government is currently considering the responses received to its recent consultation on transitional provisions for the repeal of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, which deals with the issue of when to implement section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013. The consultation closed on 27 October 2014.

No decision has as yet been taken on transitional provisions or the type of statutory instrument that will be used, or on whether and when a draft instrument will be published.

10th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, whether his Department has taken steps to protect from cyber-crime attacks videogame developers and publishers who have products that are specifically based online.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is playing a key role in the Government’s five-year, £860m National Cyber Security Programme and has delivered a range of measures to help protect all UK businesses from cyber crime attacks. The Government has regular discussions with the videogames industry, for example through the work of the Creative Industries Council. Companies can draw upon various forms of Government help and support, such as the range of good practice guidance and the £5,000 cyber security innovation vouchers aimed at small businesses and start-ups. BIS continues to work with Government and industry partners to raise awareness of cyber threats and encourage businesses to take action to protect themselves.

10th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that UK businesses are protected from cyber-crime.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is playing a key role in the delivery of the National Cyber Security Strategy, a five-year programme to transform the UK’s approach to cyber security, backed up with £860m of investment.

BIS leads on the “making it safer to do business in cyber space” objective and has delivered a range of measures to help protect UK business from cyber crime, including:

· publishing a range of good practice cyber security guidance aimed at large and small businesses;

· delivering the ‘Cyber Streetwise’ campaign with the Home Office to help businesses and consumers protect themselves against online crime;

· launching the industry approved “Cyber Essentials” scheme which enables businesses to implement a good basic level of cyber hygiene against cyber threats;

· making over £1m of cyber security innovation vouchers available to UK SMEs to help them improve their cyber security, and

· Support for industry initiatives such as Nominet’s ‘Cyber Assist’ pilot service for small and medium-sized enterprises experiencing cyber attacks.

BIS also works with other Government departments and the security and intelligence agencies to deliver further measures to help protect UK business from cyber crime, including:

· Creating a national Computer Emergency Response Team, CERT UK, which works closely with industry, Government and academia to enhance UK cyber resilience. It provides support to Critical National Infrastructure companies to handle cyber security incidents.

· Setting up the Cyber Security Information Sharing Partnership (CISP), part of CERT UK, which enables companies to share information and intelligence on cyber security threats;

· The creation of a Government approved list of Cyber Incident ‘Clean Up’ companies which can help companies respond effectively to incidents and get them up and running as soon as possible.

30th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what his Department's planned timeline is for the implementation of section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013; and if he will make a statement.

The Government plans to publish its Impact Assessment and consultation document on the timing of the repeal of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (i.e. the implementation of section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (“ERRA”)) later this year.

Once the consultation process has concluded, the Government intends to introduce the secondary legislation to implement section 74 of the ERRA before the end of this Parliament.

30th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment his Department has made of the legal proceedings recently instituted in other EU member states against UK-registered companies involved in the copying of design articles derived from artistic work.

The UK Government does not comment on ongoing legal proceedings. Any company, regardless of where it is registered, should act in accordance with the laws of the relevant EU member state.

30th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment his Department has made of the application by EDF Energy to relax safety limits at Dungeness nuclear power station.

The application by EDF Energy regarding safety limits in its safety case at Dungeness B is a regulatory matter and therefore taken forward by the independent nuclear regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), which reviews such arrangements set out in safety cases.

I understand that EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd submitted a revised safety case to ONR to demonstrate that safety would be maintained at Dungeness B as a result of their proposals to revise the safety limits for allowable graphite weight loss in the reactor cores, and that ONR was satisfied that the justifications in the revised safety case demonstrated that the licensee's obligations to ensure safety would be met.

30th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, for what reasons safety limits at Dungeness nuclear power station were set at their present level.

The UK's nuclear licensing regime, which is underpinned by Statute, requires nuclear facility operators to put in place arrangements to protect the health and safety of workers and the wider public from the hazards of the industry. Such arrangements are set out in safety cases which are subject to review by the independent nuclear regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).

The law requires that the Licensee demonstrates, via the safety case of which safety limits are part, that risks have been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). Therefore ONR does not set safety limits but reviews key parts of the safety case to ensure the ALARP principle has been met.

The ONR assessed the relevant aspects of the safety case for Dungeness B and was satisfied that the licensee had demonstrated that the proposed changes were acceptable. Similarly, ONR carries out assessment of safety cases submitted by all licensees to satisfy itself that the justification made, in support of the safety limits, is adequate. The ONR would not allow continued operation of any civil nuclear site unless it was safe to do so.

30th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, with reference to the application by EDF Energy to relax safety limits at Dungeness nuclear power station, what his Department's policy is on possible changes to safety limits at other nuclear power stations.

The UK's nuclear licensing regime, which is underpinned by Statute, requires nuclear facility operators to put in place arrangements to protect the health and safety of workers and the wider public from the hazards of the industry. Such arrangements are set out in safety cases which are subject to review by the independent nuclear regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).

The law requires that the Licensee demonstrates, via the safety case of which safety limits are part, that risks have been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). Therefore ONR does not set safety limits but reviews key parts of the safety case to ensure the ALARP principle has been met.

The ONR assessed the relevant aspects of the safety case for Dungeness B and was satisfied that the licensee had demonstrated that the proposed changes were acceptable. Similarly, ONR carries out assessment of safety cases submitted by all licensees to satisfy itself that the justification made, in support of the safety limits, is adequate. The ONR would not allow continued operation of any civil nuclear site unless it was safe to do so.

30th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment his Department has made of the complaints received by the European Consumer Centres' Network against UK-registered companies involved in the copying of artistic design articles as a result of the time taken to implement section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013.

The European Consumer Centre Network is primarily involved in cross-border consumer disputes with traders. The Government does not intervene in such complaints. Nor has it received any information from the Network in relation to complaints against UK-registered companies involved in the copying of artistic design articles. Accordingly, the Government has made no assessment of such complaints.

30th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will take steps to implement section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 before the end of the current parliamentary session; and if he will make a statement.

The Government intends to implement section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013, with appropriate transitional provisions, before the end of the current Parliamentary session, following public consultation on those transitional provisions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps his Department is taking to ensure a smooth and effective transitional period for the repeal of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

The Government is committed to consulting on how and when to introduce the repeal of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to ensure a fair and proportionate transitional period.

The first stage of this consultation process was a Call for Evidence which was launched in October 2013. The Government has reviewed the responses and is preparing an Impact Assessment and consultation document that will allow the Government to make proposals on transitional provisions and consult on these.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, when the Intellectual Property Office's response to its call for evidence on the effect of the repeal of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 will be published.

The Government is drawing on responses to its Call for Evidence on transitional provisions for the repeal of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to inform its forthcoming consultation on the issue. The Government is currently carrying out further work to develop assessments of various options for transitional provisions, and intends to publish its consultation document and accompanying Impact Assessment later this year.

19th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what representations his Department has received from internet service providers on safe harbour provisions.

The Government has not received any representations from internet service providers on the exemption from liabilities ("safe harbour") provisions contained within the eCommerce Directive. Some rights holders have expressed concern that the exemption from liabilities provisions are no longer necessary in their current form. The UK government recently published its vision for the future of the digital economy in the EU, and we will continue to seek the views of all stakeholders in developing our policy in this area.

19th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent representations his Department has received from rights holders on safe harbour provisions.

The Government has not received any representations from internet service providers on the exemption from liabilities ("safe harbour") provisions contained within the eCommerce Directive. Some rights holders have expressed concern that the exemption from liabilities provisions are no longer necessary in their current form. The UK government recently published its vision for the future of the digital economy in the EU, and we will continue to seek the views of all stakeholders in developing our policy in this area.

19th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he has taken to support internet service providers and ensure they remain a facilitator for the online industry.

The Government's broadband initiatives to expand broadband coverage in rural areas and improve business connectivity in cities provides opportunities for internet service providers to compete and the market to grow.

10th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether his Department plans to have a chair for the review process for secondary ticketing.

The Government intends to appoint a chair to lead the statutory review of the secondary ticket market.

9th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to develop policy on digital single economies.

In January the Government published its vision for a European Digital Economy. The UK has called on the EU to create an open, flexible digital single market with a regulatory framework that reflects the dynamic nature of the digital economy. The DCMS is now working to develop detailed proposals on specific elements of an anticipated Digital Single Market package, including on telecommunications, audio-visual services and copyright.

22nd Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the UK's ability to host future major sporting or cultural events of a loss of access by programme making and special events users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement.

PMSE users currently have dedicated access to spectrum in channel 38 (between 606MHz and 614MHz) as well as access to interleaved spectrum for which no new equipment is required. Ofcom published a consultation on 24 April 2013 on the future use of the 700MHz band, and will ensure the views and spectrum requirements of the PMSE community and any other wireless microphone users are taken into account when advising on any decision. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700mhz-cfi/ There are also currently discussions in Europe on future spectrum provision for PMSE users and the potential requirement for further dedicated spectrum for these purposes.
22nd Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on small and medium-sized enterprises operating within the (a) programme making and special events sector and (b) creative industries of reallocation of the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum to use by mobile network operators; and if he will make a statement.

Ofcom published a consultation on the future use of the 700 MHz band on 28 May 2014. This consultation assesses the impact any loss of access to the 700 MHz band would have on the PMSE community. Ofcom will ensure the views and spectrum requirements of the PMSE community are taken into account when making any final decisions on the use of the band. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website:

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700MHz/

Ofcom is working with the PMSE community of users and manufacturers to mitigate the impact of any change of use of the 700 MHz band; and discussing with the regulatory authorities in other countries their approach to this issue. A key focus of their work in this area is seeking to identify and make available alternative spectrum for the PMSE community.

22nd Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the corporate events and conference industry of a loss of access by wireless microphone users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement.

Ofcom published a consultation on the future use of the 700 MHz band on 28 May 2014. This consultation assesses the impact any loss of access to the 700 MHz band would have on the PMSE community. Ofcom will ensure the views and spectrum requirements of the PMSE community are taken into account when making any final decisions on the use of the band. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website:

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700MHz/

Ofcom is working with the PMSE community of users and manufacturers to mitigate the impact of any change of use of the 700 MHz band; and discussing with the regulatory authorities in other countries their approach to this issue. A key focus of their work in this area is seeking to identify and make available alternative spectrum for the PMSE community.

22nd Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the continuation to the UK economy by (a) West End theatres, (b) the UK theatre industry and (c) the Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) sector of a loss of access by the PMSE sector to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement.

Ofcom published a consultation on the future use of the 700 MHz band on 28 May 2014. This consultation assesses the impact any loss of access to the 700 MHz band would have on the PMSE community. Ofcom will ensure the views and spectrum requirements of the PMSE community are taken into account when making any final decisions on the use of the band. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website:

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700MHz/

Ofcom is working with the PMSE community of users and manufacturers to mitigate the impact of any change of use of the 700 MHz band; and discussing with the regulatory authorities in other countries their approach to this issue. A key focus of their work in this area is seeking to identify and make available alternative spectrum for the PMSE community.

22nd Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the economic contribution to the UK economy of (a) West End theatres, (b) the UK theatre industry and (c) the Programme Making and Special Events sector in each year since 2004; and if he will make a statement.

Independent sector bodies have carried out assessments of the economic contribution of the arts to the UK economy. A report by the Society of London Theatre in 2013 showed that London Theatres grossed £0.53bn in sales generating VAT receipts of £88m.

DCMS’s Creative Industries Economic Estimates, based on data from the Office of National Statistics available on a consistent basis since 2008, show the following contribution to the UK economy from Music & Visual and Performing Arts (including theatre) in Gross Value Added (GVA) terms:

Year

GVA £m

2008

3,740

2009

3,779

2010

3,434

2011

4,039

2012

4,574

22nd Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the (a) film industry and (b) television production industry of a loss of access by wireless microphone users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement.

PMSE users currently have dedicated access to spectrum in channel 38 (between 606MHz and 614MHz) as well as access to interleaved spectrum for which no new equipment is required. Ofcom published a consultation on 24 April 2013 on the future use of the 700MHz band, and will ensure the views and spectrum requirements of the PMSE community and any other wireless microphone users are taken into account when advising on any decision. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700mhz-cfi/ There are also currently discussions in Europe on future spectrum provision for PMSE users and the potential requirement for further dedicated spectrum for these purposes.
22nd Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what his policy is on the development by ISPs and copyright owners of Creative Content UK, a programme of education about legal entertainment services, and alerts to subscribers found to have been uploading content illegally online; and what effects he expects the development to have on the implementation of the Digital Economy Act 2010.

The Government warmly welcomed the initiative by copyright owners and ISPs of setting up Creative Content UK, and has pledged £3.5 million over three years to support the educational campaign that will complement the process. An industry-led solution has always been our preferred approach, and so Government will not progress the relevant provisions within the Digital Economy Act 2010 at this time. However, they will remain available if a legislative solution becomes necessary.
22nd Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the programme making and special events (PMSE) sector of a loss of access by PMSE users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement.

Ofcom published a consultation on the future use of the 700 MHz band on 28 May 2014. This consultation assesses the impact any loss of access to the 700 MHz band would have on the PMSE community. Ofcom will ensure the views and spectrum requirements of the PMSE community are taken into account when making any final decisions on the use of the band. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website:

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700MHz/

Ofcom is working with the PMSE community of users and manufacturers to mitigate the impact of any change of use of the 700 MHz band; and discussing with the regulatory authorities in other countries their approach to this issue. A key focus of their work in this area is seeking to identify and make available alternative spectrum for the PMSE community.

22nd Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on (a) places of worship and (b) community centres of loss of access by wireless microphone users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if he will make a statement.

PMSE users currently have dedicated access to spectrum in channel 38 (between 606MHz and 614MHz) as well as access to interleaved spectrum for which no new equipment is required. Ofcom published a consultation on 24 April 2013 on the future use of the 700MHz band, and will ensure the views and spectrum requirements of the PMSE community and any other wireless microphone users are taken into account when advising on any decision. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700mhz-cfi/ There are also currently discussions in Europe on future spectrum provision for PMSE users and the potential requirement for further dedicated spectrum for these purposes.
22nd Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential safety and security risks at major national events arising from a loss of access by wireless microphone users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if she will make a statement.

PMSE users currently have dedicated access to spectrum in channel 38 (between 606MHz and 614MHz) as well as access to interleaved spectrum for which no new equipment is required. Ofcom published a consultation on 24 April 2013 on the future use of the 700MHz band, and will ensure the views and spectrum requirements of the PMSE community and any other wireless microphone users are taken into account when advising on any decision. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700mhz-cfi/ There are also currently discussions in Europe on future spectrum provision for PMSE users and the potential requirement for further dedicated spectrum for these purposes.
22nd Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential effect on (a) schools and (b) universities of loss of access by wireless microphone users to the 700 MHz band of radio spectrum; and if she will make a statement.

Ofcom published a consultation on the future use of the 700 MHz band on 28 May 2014. This consultation assesses the impact any loss of access to the 700 MHz band would have on the PMSE community. Ofcom will ensure the views and spectrum requirements of the PMSE community are taken into account when making any final decisions on the use of the band. The consultation document and responses can be found on Ofcom’s website:

http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/700MHz/

Ofcom is working with the PMSE community of users and manufacturers to mitigate the impact of any change of use of the 700 MHz band; and discussing with the regulatory authorities in other countries their approach to this issue. A key focus of their work in this area is seeking to identify and make available alternative spectrum for the PMSE community.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if his Department will take steps to ensure that publicly-funded museums do not breach new rules regarding the commercial exploitation of designs whose owners have had their rights revived following the repeal of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has an arm's length relationship with its sponsored bodies such as museums and galleries and does not intervene in day-to-day operational matters. It would be for these museums and galleries to act in compliance with the law, including intellectual property law.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if his Department will take steps to ensure that revenue created by shops in publicly-funded museums and galleries will be safeguarded following the repeal of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

The Government is keen to support the revenue-generating activities of publicly-funded museums and galleries wherever possible. For most artistic works, copyright owners already need to provide permission before publicly-funded museums and galleries are able to make copies. The change in law will mean that permission from copyright holders will need to be sought for all artistic works.

11th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will discuss with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills potential steps to support teachers in raising awareness among schoolchildren of the importance of intellectual property.

Schools are required to teach a broad and balanced curriculum which prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. Our new national curriculum, introduced in September 2014, provides an outline of core knowledge around which teachers can develop stimulating lessons to promote the development of pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills as part of the wider school curriculum.

The new national curriculum gives teachers greater flexibility to teach topics that are appropriate and meet the needs of pupils, including the importance of intellectual property rights. It is for individual schools to decide what support and resources they wish to draw on in developing and teaching their school curriculum.

21st Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government has taken to (a) return control of agricultural policy to member states and (b) reduce subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy.

The Government has consistently argued that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) should provide best value for money for taxpayers, not impose undue burdens on businesses or administrations, and provide greater discretion for Member States in its implementation.

We continue to believe that expenditure on market price support and direct payments to farmers under Pillar 1 of the CAP represents very poor value for money. The UK has always made clear that we would like to move away from subsidies in the long run. However, we recognise that there is scope for using taxpayers’ money to pay farmers for public goods that the market otherwise would not reward, such as protecting the natural environment, supporting biodiversity and improving animal welfare. We will shortly be commencing preparation for the next round of CAP reform.

Within the EU budget for 2014-2020, CAP was allocated €362.8 billion (equal to circa €52 billion per year). This amounts to a real terms cut of 13% or €55 billion, which is roughly equal to the annual level of spending on the CAP budget. This was a significant development and made an important contribution to the overall reduction in the EU budget.

Most of the cut was delivered through a cut to Pillar 1 direct payments, which fell from €320 billion over 2007 to 2013 to €277.9 billion. Pillar 2 rural development received €84.9 billion, down from €98 billion.

10th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to make bus lane access standardised throughout the country.

Bus lanes are provided to give bus services priority during congested times, which can improve punctuality, reliability and journey times.

Provision of bus lanes is the responsibility of local traffic authorities, including decisions on what type of vehicles are allowed access. The Government believes these decisions are best made at local level as local circumstances will influence what is appropriate. Traffic signing must clearly reflect the classes of vehicle permitted to access bus lanes, so that drivers are clear what is expected of them.

As well as buses and pedal cycles, authorities have discretion to allow motorcycles, hackney carriages and ‘authorised vehicles’ to access bus lanes.