Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Simon Danczuk Excerpts
Thursday 11th September 2014

(9 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Vaizey of Didcot Portrait Mr Vaizey
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I agree with my hon. Friend. We really need much greater openness about the payment practices of businesses. Knowing who are good payers and bad payers is essential in deciding with whom to trade. We will therefore bring forward legislation to require large and listed companies to publish their payment practices and performance. We will also work with business groups to strengthen the prompt payment code.

Simon Danczuk Portrait Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab)
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There have been a number of attempts to amend the Deregulation Bill to reform retransmission fees for public sector broadcasters in the UK. Will the Minister look at the report published on Monday, which argues that reform could provide millions of pounds for the creative industries in the United Kingdom? Does he agree that the reform of retransmission fees should be included in the Deregulation Bill?

Lord Vaizey of Didcot Portrait Mr Vaizey
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The hon. Gentleman is referring to ITV’s report, which calls for ITV to be allowed to charge fees to other platforms. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will have read the brilliant speech given by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at the Royal Television Society earlier this week, when he said—I can almost quote it from memory, it was that good—that he will take a “long, hard look” at retransmission fees.