Oral Answers to Questions

Vikki Slade Excerpts

Thursday 3rd September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Ian Murray]

Absolutely, and I commend the hon. Gentleman for the work done in his constituency, including at Castle Ward. Encouraging everyone to go and visit would be the best thing for me to do as the Minister. Transport connectivity for those attending cultural and music events and historic and heritage places came up at the Select Committee sitting I attended this week, so we are working hard to resolve these issues.

[Vikki Slade (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD)]

Wareham is fortunate to be served by the fantastic Rex cinema, which is Dorset’s oldest cinema and one of the oldest in the country, and it is volunteer led. It shows two films every day and has been refurbished to maintain its art deco interior. However, its roof is now over 135 years old and will cost £400,000 to repair. The volunteers have funded a new projector, but they just cannot raise that sort of money. Will the Minister consider extending cultural capital grants to community cinemas?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am struggling because we only get a short time for these questions. I think we should have an hour, and I hope somebody will reflect on that.