Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Hepburn and Michael Gove

Thursday 21st February 2019 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

My hon. Friend makes an important point. There is a stark contrast with the progressive approach being taken by the Labour Administration in Wales, who have engaged with the Bill and ensured that we legislate to give Welsh farmers confidence and certainty for the future. The Scottish Government, not for the first time, have decided to put separatist ideology ahead of the interests of Scotland’s farmers and food producers. Having visited Scotland twice in the past week, I have to say that Scotland’s farmers and food producers are scunnered with the Scottish Government’s attitude to their future.

[Mr Stephen Hepburn (Jarrow) (Lab)]

T3. Foxhunting was banned in 2004, yet the practice remains widespread. Is it not time that the Government beefed up the Hunting Act 2004 and introduced prison sentences to deter people from taking part in and organising these barbaric sports?

[Michael Gove]

There is a clear legislative framework following on from the ban introduced by the Labour Government, and this Government have no intention of changing that ban.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Hepburn and Michael Gove

Monday 11th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Stephen Hepburn (Jarrow) (Lab)]

13. What recent representations he has received on encouraging children to study music.

[The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove)]

We are very lucky that there is so much excellent music teaching in our schools and we are anxious to ensure that it improves even further. We have made £82.5 million available to make that a reality. In the past few months, we have received almost 4,000 representations on how we can further improve music education.

[Mr Hepburn]

As the Secretary of State says, the Government have announced this new system of funding music in schools. If it is, indeed, a bidding system, what assurances can he give to the schools and schoolchildren who will inevitably lose out?

[Michael Gove]

I do not believe that any school or child will lose out. The hon. Gentleman is very lucky that on his doorstep sits the Sage centre, which is an outstanding exemplar of music education. The funds that we have available and the national music plan that we hope to unveil this autumn will ensure that the already high standards that exist in areas such as south Tyneside are augmented even further in future.