Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2015 Commons Chamber

[The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr John Whittingdale)]

Since the last Culture, Media and Sport Question Time, the England team has won the Ashes; the English, Welsh and Northern Ireland football teams have all qualified for the European championships; Team GB has won four gold medals at the world athletics championships; and, although the home nations are no longer in the hunt for the rugby world cup, the tournament has enjoyed record-breaking attendances and been an organisational triumph.

[Mr Speaker]

And Britain is in the Davis cup final, to boot.

[Mr Hanson]

I am sure that all that is very fine, but people need tickets to see those events. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 was supposed to enforce measures on ticket resales, but yesterday’s Which? report has shown that there are major holes in that. How does the Secretary of State intend to enforce the Act, and what steps will he take to address the concerns expressed by Which?

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Whittingdale]

I am happy to join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to his local newspapers. I believe that local newspapers serve an absolutely vital function in supporting local democracy, and I want the BBC to support that. Any new BBC service has to undergo a market impact assessment, and we are keenly aware of the need to avoid doing anything that causes unfair damage. As I have said, I support the principle of local commissioning.

[Mr Speaker]

Perhaps we can speed up a bit.

[David Warburton (Somerton and Frome) (Con)]

Have the Government developed a more detailed proposal on territoriality in the digital single market, given the huge impact any changes could have on the UK audio-visual sector?

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members rose—]

[Mr Speaker]

I will call Mr McCartney on condition he gives one short sentence.

[Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con)]

Does the Minister agree that our national museums that offer free entry—the National Coal Mining museum has free science shows this weekend—are a fantastic free day out for families over the half-term break?

[Mr Vaizey]

Yes.

[Mr Speaker]

Splendid. The same goes for Mr Timms.

[Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab)]

T9. Does the Minister plan to increase competition in the superfast broadband market following last week’s debate that highlighted lack of competition as the main source of current frustrations with the roll-out?

[Mr Vaizey]

Let me take one more—I have broken my duck. We have one of the most competitive telecommunications markets, and will continue to work with Ofcom to increase competition in the sector.

[Mr Speaker]

That was a superfast question and a superfast answer, for which we are deeply grateful.

The Leader of the House was asked—

--- Later in debate ---

[Tom Brake]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that suggestion. I am happy to take it away and see whether there is any mileage in it.

[Mr Speaker]

I call Mr Stephen Phillips. He is not here. Extraordinary.

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

5. What assessment he has made of the adequacy of arrangements for meeting hon. Members’ IT requirements.