Asked by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has received recent representations from Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council on the presence of RAAC at the Forum Theatre in Romiley.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Department recently received correspondence from Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (dated 22 January) regarding the presence of RAAC at the Forum Theatre in Romiley.
The Government’s approach to RAAC has been informed by experts, encouraging owners to identify any RAAC present and to assess the structural adequacy of their buildings. In cases of suspected or confirmed RAAC, theatres should continue using the Institute of Structural Engineers’ (IStructE) guidance to assess what action is necessary. Where appropriate, theatres with RAAC should have mitigation and management action plans in place.
We will provide a response to Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council in due course.
Asked by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the (a) quality of responses to his Department's consultation on total restriction of online advertising for products high in fat, sugar and salt, and (b) potential merits of extending that consultation to allow for more responses to be submitted.
Answered by Caroline Dinenage
We have already received a number of responses to the current consultation, and we hope that the public and industry stakeholders make full and constructive contributions to the consultation. The consultation is due to close on 22 December, having run for a total of six weeks. We have no plans to extend the consultation.
When we announced that we would be consulting on a total online HFSS advertising restriction we committed to this being a short consultation.
The Covid 19 pandemic has highlighted that for our nation to be a healthy, resilient country we need to help prevent obesity developing and support those who are already overweight or living with obesity to reduce their weight and improve their health. The Prime Minister is clear that this is a priority for him and he wants to push ahead with measures to tackle obesity, and get policies implemented as soon as possible.
Our 2019 consultation was open for 12 weeks as it dealt with a broader range of policy including: TV, online, other media, and products in scope. This consultation just focuses on online, therefore we think a short consultation is appropriate.
Asked by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what the timescale is for allowing amateur brass bands to resume rehearsals and perform during the covid-19 outbreak.
Answered by Caroline Dinenage
We are committed to getting the performing arts sector fully back up and running as soon as it is safe to do so. It is a priority of my department to work with the arts and cultural sectors to address the challenges of reopening. We have released guidance to support the performing arts sector resume activity in line with the roadmap announced by the Secretary of State last month.
Playing wind and brass instruments, especially in groups, are considered higher risk activities because of the potential for aerosol production and the absence presently of developed scientific analysis to assess this specific risk. The evidence is being developed rapidly. Whilst further evidence is being developed, we advise that non-professional groups should not play brass instruments at this stage and should only do activities in line with government guidance on social mixing.
Asked by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when live performances will recommence in theatres and concert halls during the covid-19 outbreak.
Answered by Caroline Dinenage
In order to ensure appropriate support and guidance is given to the cultural sector, DCMS has established the Cultural Renewal Taskforce and the Entertainment and Events working group which include extensive membership from across the artistic and creative sectors.
The focus of these groups’ work is on ensuring that COVID-19 secure guidelines are developed in line with the phasing ambitions and public health directions, building on the existing guidance and providing intelligence and sector-specific expert input. These groups specifically include representatives for theatres and stage based entertainment, all of whom are being consulted extensively on how the sector can reopen and operate under social distancing.
Following the establishment of the Cultural Renewal Taskforce, on 23 June the Prime Minister announced that from 4 July theatres will be able to reopen for rehearsal, pre-production and broadcast, although not yet for live performance with an audience. Alongside the work that we are doing with representatives of the entertainment and events industry to develop supporting guidance, this represents the first steps in the roadmap to recovery for our nations’ theatres.
The Government remains committed to supporting the cultural sector through this pandemic and getting the curtain up at venues for live performances across the country as soon as it is safe to do so.
Asked by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department has taken to assist (a) theatres and (b) concert halls to stage socially-distanced live performances.
Answered by Caroline Dinenage
In order to ensure appropriate support and guidance is given to the cultural sector, DCMS has established the Cultural Renewal Taskforce and the Entertainment and Events working group which include extensive membership from across the artistic and creative sectors.
The focus of these groups’ work is on ensuring that COVID-19 secure guidelines are developed in line with the phasing ambitions and public health directions, building on the existing guidance and providing intelligence and sector-specific expert input. These groups specifically include representatives for theatres and stage based entertainment, all of whom are being consulted extensively on how the sector can reopen and operate under social distancing.
Following the establishment of the Cultural Renewal Taskforce, on 23 June the Prime Minister announced that from 4 July theatres will be able to reopen for rehearsal, pre-production and broadcast, although not yet for live performance with an audience. Alongside the work that we are doing with representatives of the entertainment and events industry to develop supporting guidance, this represents the first steps in the roadmap to recovery for our nations’ theatres.
The Government remains committed to supporting the cultural sector through this pandemic and getting the curtain up at venues for live performances across the country as soon as it is safe to do so.
Asked by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the effects of the (a) two metre, and (b) one metre plus, social distancing guidance on theatre and concert hall audience capacities.
Answered by Caroline Dinenage
In order to ensure appropriate support and guidance is given to the cultural sector, DCMS has established the Cultural Renewal Taskforce and the Entertainment and Events working group which include extensive membership from across the artistic and creative sectors.
The focus of these groups’ work is on ensuring that COVID-19 secure guidelines are developed in line with the phasing ambitions and public health directions, building on the existing guidance and providing intelligence and sector-specific expert input. These groups specifically include representatives for theatres and stage based entertainment, all of whom are being consulted extensively on how the sector can reopen and operate under social distancing.
Following the establishment of the Cultural Renewal Taskforce, on 23 June the Prime Minister announced that from 4 July theatres will be able to reopen for rehearsal, pre-production and broadcast, although not yet for live performance with an audience. Alongside the work that we are doing with representatives of the entertainment and events industry to develop supporting guidance, this represents the first steps in the roadmap to recovery for our nations’ theatres.
The Government remains committed to supporting the cultural sector through this pandemic and getting the curtain up at venues for live performances across the country as soon as it is safe to do so.
Asked by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many representations his Department has received on the health risks of 5G technology.
Answered by Margot James
5G is the latest evolution of mobile communications technologies and currently in its development stages. 5G is likely to be deployed as part of a patchwork of technologies, including those already in use, such as advanced LTE (4G), Wi-Fi, as well as 5G new radio - forming a ‘network of networks’ of a heterogeneous nature.
The Department has had a number of open consultations, and calls for evidence over the past year, for the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review, as well as relating to the 5G Programme. Across these, and with departmental correspondence, we have received 34 representations on the potential health risks of 5G technology.
A considerable amount of research has been carried out on radio waves and we anticipate no negative effects on public health. As 5G continues to develop, the Government is committed to working with Public Health England’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (CRCE) in order to monitor available evidence and will take action if necessary.
Asked by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment his Department has made about the safety of 5G with respect to human health.
Answered by Margot James
5G is the latest evolution of mobile communications technologies and currently in its development stages. 5G is likely to be deployed as part of a patchwork of technologies, including those already in use, such as advanced LTE (4G), Wi-Fi, as well as 5G new radio - forming a ‘network of networks’ of a heterogeneous nature.
A considerable amount of research has been carried out on radio waves and we anticipate no negative effects on public health.
The Government expects that existing UK technical standards will be adhered to throughout the development and deployment of 5G products and networks. These standards draw on the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, which takes into account the well-researched effects of radio waves.
As 5G continues to develop, the Government is committed to working with Public Health England’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (CRCE) in order to monitor available evidence and will take action if necessary.
Asked by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will set out the progress on the development of new independent bodies to regulate the media.
Answered by Matt Hancock
The Government established a new system of press self-regulation whereby self-regulators can apply to the Press Recognition Panel for recognition if they choose. It is for the Panel to assess self-regulators against the criteria set out in the Royal Charter.
Asked by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to encourage corporate sponsorship of the arts at a local level.
Answered by Matt Hancock
We believe strongly in public investment in culture. As well as core Exchequer and lottery funding, government supports culture through tax breaks and encourages philanthropy and volunteering. The UK arts sector has a unique mixed funding model and it makes good business sense for cultural bodies to continue to look to diversify their revenue streams. There are many cultural organisations outside London who are successfully building long term relationships with corporate donors and sponsors for mutual benefit.
In the Culture White Paper government committed to talking more about the mutual benefits of such partnerships, and how they make a difference to cultural organisations and to public life. DCMS with Arts Council England recently commissioned work from the Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy Programme with Brunswick Arts to provide insight into how the current corporate sponsorship landscape in England has changed in recent years, including at the local level. The findings will be published later this year.
Arts Council England have commissioned a new Private Investment in Culture Survey, to explore the current state of private philanthropy, including from corporate sources. This is due for publication later this year. They have also invested in programmes such as the Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy programme and Catalyst Evolve to support skills development across England including corporate engagement and to attract more private giving including through corporate sponsorship.