Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Oral Answers to Questions

Rupa Huq Excerpts
Thursday 3rd March 2016

(8 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Whittingdale Portrait Mr Whittingdale
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This is a matter that we keep under review, but I have not had a chance to discuss it recently. I will certainly look into it further and discuss it with the appropriate authorities.

Rupa Huq Portrait Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton) (Lab)
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T8. To prevent our pop charts from being disproportionately dominated by acts from private schools, and to prevent another all-white Brit awards like the event that was criticised last week, would the Minister consider starting a scheme similar to the much missed music action zones that the Labour Government created to encourage creativity and talent in music in non-classroom contexts?

John Whittingdale Portrait Mr Whittingdale
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This country produces some of the finest music acts in the world. A lot of the ones that I go to see certainly did not go to public school, and I am looking forward to going to see Muse and, I hope, Rainbow in the coming months. Of course, I want to see opportunity for everybody who has talent to succeed.