Live Culture, Media and Sport Questions House of Commons

Order, order. Questions of the Secretary of State for Culture,

Media and Sport. Number one, Mr Speaker. I hope you will indulge me

about page should we did a great supporter of the arts who died

yesterday. The government has taken a number of steps the small

production companies, food tax worries and grand schemes. In the

last two years, they supported 51 organisations in Cornwall, and spend

of ?7.5 million. North Cornwall has benefited hugely in terms of tourism

through the Paul dark effect. While other TV dramas -- Poldark. Can my

right honourable friend give his assurance he will continue to

support the future of film industry and my part of the country. Of

course, I'm well aware of the Poldark effect. I'm often mistaken

for his body double. There are 13 grade production companies in

Cornwall. Our film tax relief has brought more than ?7 billion

investment into the UK, and I can ensure we will continue to support

productions in Cornwall. Does he refer exclusively to call more? --

Cornwall. Productions in Cornwall and of areas benefit hugely from

unique not-for-profit strength of Channel 4. Will the Minister please

explain why it is an interest of a production company in Cornwall for

there to be the creation of another business like ITV or Channel five,

and why it is in the public interest for Channel 4 to be privatised? I

feel like I'm taking part in an episode of Just Minutes, whether

subject is Cornwall. We've from the South West to Westminster. As the

honourable member is aware, we are looking at all options for this

fantastic channel to take it forward into the future. I'm pleased to

confirm that it is now possible for people living in houses which are

now able to get a speed of 2 megabits on now able to take

advantage of a satellite broadband installation which should deliver

speeds of 10 megabits a second or more. Connecting Cumbria promised

super broadband, but it has not happened. It has applied people to

services. What assurance can the Minister gave that under the

universal service obligation they will be provided with the minimum of

10 megabits by 2020? I'm pleased to say the Cumbrian programme is going

well with around 20 minimum pounds of money invested in her own

constituency. -- ?20 million. It is a fantastic result. We will soon be

introducing a consultation on the universal programme and will follow

up with haste. This option is very important in rural areas such as

mine where we have technology issues in getting broadband. We've had some

good work with BT, but can the Minister guarantee we will push

ahead with all options to make sure everybody has access to broadband in

my constituency? Yes, I can guarantee that. We are moving as

fast as we can to deliver superfast broadband, and we intend to rich 95%

of the country. We hope to have superfast broadband for everyone by

2020, and we will look at what we have to do in the decade after that.

In early December, the Minister cast themselves as Santa Claus,

announcing, and I quote, Christmas present UK homes and businesses, ?60

million to provide satellite provision for those failed by his

super slow broadband call-out. As of Monday, a grand total of ?8,000 had

been spent, with only 24 people benefiting from his supposed to get.

Was it the fear of seeing the honourable member coming down the

chimney that put people off? Or the fact it is an adequate stunt

designed to fob off his backbenchers and leaving millions digitally

excluded for many Christmases to come? I find the honourable lady for

that bar humbug question. I'm delighted we have reached around 90%

of the country thanks to our broadband programme. We cast aside

the Scrooge like 2 megabits target Labour had for the country as a

whole. We did promise everyone with guaranteed speeds of 2 megabits, and

we have done. I'm sure the Minister was busy at Christmas with

rehearsals for the Poldark Christmas special. Can I welcome his

announcement about enabling those in rural areas to get broadband? It is

an issue in my constituency, where farmers struggle to get broadband.

Will he undertake to work with the national farmers union and other

people in touch with those rural industries to make sure farmers find

out about this? I will give that undertaking. I am happy to work with

the farmers and the landowners association as well. Since the

Westminster Hall debate, when a commitment was given to expanding

the superfast broadband in Northern Ireland, I've been contacted by

people who say they can't increase their businesses, and those who want

to start up businesses can't. What is he doing to help those people in

the rural community to advance? We had a successful broadband voucher

scheme which brought superfast broadband to 55,000 visitors, which

has come to an end but we will review it. Of course the roll-out in

Northern Ireland is picking up pace, which will help hone owners --

homeowners and businesses. I believe it is reflected in a new sports

strategy that sport has the power to change lives, particular deprived

areas. We will invest significantly in organisations which deliver

programmes in deprived areas, which will make differences in health

outcomes and individual life chances. May I wish the Minister of

sport well? It'll be our last question. With the Minister agree

that sporting programmes do excellent work tackling gang crime,

anti-social behaviour and rehabilitation and should be at the

heart of the delivery of the new sports strategy? I'm a huge fan of

those schemes, Mr Speaker, and the Premier League kicks project, which

is supported by a number of projects, it shows 75% of its

participants live in the top 30% modes deprived areas in England, and

where the scheme has been run, it has seen a reduced in anti-social

behaviour. It is those projects which will play a key role. Would

the Minister care to reflect on the role of apps and did like patient

the programme she has outlined under way in which that can turn the

telescope round to project information into communities that

might be disadvantage? Certain members of society we are trying to

reach to make sure they participate more rely on apps in the greater use

of technology, and it is something we reference with a great deal of

interest, and having weaselly met with his constituents, and now

there's a great deal of work being done to increase the number of apps,

to make sure technology pays it key part -- plays. Kettering town

Harriers, which I remember, is a great athletics club which offers

opportunities for boys and girls across the borough of Kettering and

further afield. Would my honourable friend agree that local athletics

clubs or a great way to help people get involved in sport? I certainly

believe local athletics club can play an important part in their own

communities, I did note that our clubs across the entire country who

want to make sure they reach out beyond their region, to make sure

all people who want to get involved in athletics can do so, and when we

have major events like the Olympic 's,, it will inspire others to get

into sport. Can I join with the honourable member in wishing the

Minister all the best in her forthcoming maternity leave? Whilst

volunteers at grassroots struggle with scarce resources and increasing

charges, we see a growing number of scandals involving those at the

elite end of sport, lining their pockets with money which could be

used at grassroots. This is the moralising the people who work hard

to deliver sport. Isn't it time to insist that people who are found

guilty of doping or Max Becton on giving life bans -- match fixing.

And that people are searching for evidence for corruption and cheating

in sport. We need to make sure we get as much

money as possible invested in grassroots sport. I am pleased with

the sports strategy that we have encouraged for the Premiere League,

to double their investment in grassroots. This is underpinned by

the welcome Spending Review, which I am disappointed was not shared, but

in terms of scandals and allegations of corruption, it is ongoing,

unfortunately. It is very disappointing with every scandal

that is reported. But this is the case. And certainly, we are we in

Government can make sure that we will make sure to see what we can do

in terms of current legislation, and we will do so. In the meantime, we

encourage international federations to ensure they root out corruption

as quickly as possible. After the Flood became more

widespread, we increased funding for recovery work. This is a matter for

sport England but my Department receive regular updates that clubs

in affected areas are facing and the football foundation is providing

flood funds to assist clubs in eligible for sport England funds.

Thank you for that reply. I wish the minister well in her forthcoming

maternity leave. Ramsbottom United football club and Ramsbottom Cricket

club, in my constituency, both have grounds submerged in the recent

floods, causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage. Although

supporters have worked valiantly to help, they are struggling to

recover. Can my honourable friend say what further help might be

available from the Government, as a matter of urgency? I have read about

the awful damage of both the cricket club and the football club and it

sounds like the wider community is supporting with an incredible job to

help with the clear up. The football foundation and others have pledged

financial support. If there is anything else the clubs need

assistance with, my honourable friend is welcome to get in touch

and we will try to ensure the clubs receive all the help and advice

possible. Mr Benn Bradshaw. My ministerial colleagues and I meet

regularly with a range of stakeholders on issues relating to

the work of the Department, including the future of Channel 4.

The Government is looking at a number of options, including those

proposed by Channel 4's leadership. No decisions have yet been taken. Mr

Benn Bradshaw. Will he join me congratulating Channel 4 on their

record number of both Oscar and BAFTA nominations of this year? And

does he agree that Channel 4 would not be able to deliver its unique

and valuable be met if it had to return a profit to shareholders? As

I said, my concern is to ensure the continuing success of our ability

with Channel 4 and that is why we are looking at options, as indeed

the last Government did. It also considered privatisation. We have

not yet reached a conclusion. I will adopt whatever policy I believe is

best designed to ensure that Channel 4 continues to enjoy the success

which he has described. That the Secretary of State recognise the

inherent tension in that one of the purposes of privatisation would be

to raise the maximum amount of money for the Treasury, and the more

Channel 4 sticks to its stint of unsuccessful be met, the less money

is likely to be raised? Can he assure the House that uppermost in

his mind will be the preservation of the broadcasting success and the

creative success of Channel 4, when he comes to his final decision? I am

very happy to give exactly that assurance. The reason we looking at

different options for the future of Channel 4 is in order to ensure that

it could continue to deliver the be met in what is going to become a

very fast changing and challenging environment, as I have made clear

before, it is the remote which matters and which Channel 4 I want

to see continuing to deliver into the future. Has the Secretary of

State had an opportunity to continue the one year on report on Channel

4's the engines of the degree of diversity charter? Does he recognise

that while diversity is a pronounced feature in Channel 4's particular

vocation, it is not only their job and will devalue that when he

considers the BBC charter renewal? I absolutely agree. The challenge of

creating diversity is one which applies right across all

broadcasters. It is something I know my honourable friend, the minister,

has paid close attention to and indeed was speaking only this week

with Idris Elba, who is another person who competes with him in

terms of his own attraction! Mr Speaker, can be Secretary of State

confirm that the Chancellor of the Exchequer now believes that Channel

4 privatisation will bring the Conservatives much public opprobrium

for a relatively small financial return and that the Conservatives

are now backing away from the idea of privatising this much loved

public institution? I hate to disappoint but as I said, no

decisions have been taken. I have not had the opportunity to discuss

the matter with the Chancellor of the Exchequer because we have not

yet reached our own conclusions on this matter. I look forward to doing

so in due course. There are two key First World War events to

commemorate this year. On the 31st of May, national events will be held

to mark the Battle of Jutland and the wider war at sea. On the 1st of

July, national events will be held in Manchester and at a memorial in

France to commemorate the Battle of the Somme. This will be part of

wider commemorations over the next two years and I would encourage all

members to read details of the latest culture programme, announced

yesterday. Thank you for the work you have contributed to in ensuring

the commemorations. At the Yorkshire sculpture Park, we are reminded of

the importance of ensuring commemorations are extended to every

corner of the country. In this important year of commemoration, we

should find a moment for members to come together in this House and pay

respects in this place. Will he use his good office to ensure such an

opportunity is forthcoming? Can I thank the honourable gentleman for

his words and in return, can I thank him for his support? We may over

many matters that this is a matter where I think all parties

represented come together in memory of those who sacrificed so much. He

mentioned the weeping window and the wave sculptures and I was delighted

that the Chancellor has made more money available to allow us to take

that sculpture to more parts of the country, including Saint Magnus

Cathedral, as part of the commemoration of Jutland. In

relation to his suggestion that we should have an opportunity here to

commemorate those who gave their lives, I think it is an excellent

suggestion. I am happy to pursue that. How will Devonport be included

in the Battle of Jutland celebrations or commemorations? My

grandfather was a gunnery officer and wrote an eyewitness account

about it. I entirely understand my honourable friend's wish to see the

commemoration, given his own personal connection. I pay tribute

to his grandfather and indeed all who served at that time. He will

know that a series of events are being planned, including the

ceremony at the Orkney Islands for Jutland. Descendants of those who

served at the Battle are invited to take part in the event. I hope he

will apply. People need to be quick because the closing date is

tomorrow. He may be interested to know that the Royal Navy will be

marking the centenary at memorials in his constituency at Devonport and

also at Portsmouth and Chatham. Question seven, please. A positive

experience of sport at a young age can create a lifetime of engagement

in physical activity. This sits at the heart of the new sports

strategy. Can I wish the Minister of sport well with her maternity? I am

aware she will have other diary commitments but may I invite her and

colleagues to join with me and the BBC and ITV on the 2nd of February

for the parliamentary launch of the Six Nations rugby? Does she agree

that free to air sports, underpinned by the events, are crucial in

inspiring young people to take up support? Thank you. I am conscious

of the fact that my honourable friend's injury was sports related

and he may not be the best advert for encouraging people to get

involved in sport at this time! But I understand the Secretary of State

was hoping to attend the event on the second, I shall be otherwise

engaged but I do agree that sport on free to air TV underpinned by the

listed events regime is absolutely crucial in inspiring gangsters to

take up sport. I look forward to the Six Nations. I shall be watching

from the armchair. Can I gently remind the front benches, I have not

heard the words England, cricket, South Africa, Joe Root, Yorkshire...

Let's congratulate the English team for what they have achieved in South

Africa. On access to sport, does not go with this age of children and

obesity, with young people getting out into the countryside and

walking, as well as support? As chair of the John clear trust, I

know how difficult it is to get children from poorer areas into the

countryside to learn about it and love it. I am grateful for the

opportunity to congratulate the sporting success of our England

Cricket stars in South Africa. Also, English men and women in Australia,

who appear to be doing well in the big bash tournament. Making sure

children are involved in sport is incredibly important. They must be

inspired by all sports available to them. The sports strategy is about

making sure we encourage people who want to do all sorts of sports or

physical activity, whether traditional or outdoor activities,

such as mountaineering, is something they can have access to. The

Government is supporting an increase in visitor numbers to Yorkshire

through the work of Visit Britain, visit England and Yorkshire received

record tourism in 2014 and we continue to attract domestic and

international visitors. The Bremen is to publish a 5-point plan onto

risen and will have a recent Spending Review and we secured

further funding. With a heritage item is movable, there is a case for

having it on display outside of London and the South of England.

Hull is our City of Culture next year. Many people in Yorkshire are

expecting the aeroplane of Amy Johnson took the on display in the

region. But the London based seismicity has refused permission

for this to happen. They said the plane must stay in London. Will he

join with me in asking the London obsessed seismicity and to think

again and will he meet with me to discuss the matter? -- science

Museum. I am happy to discuss that and understand why Hull should want

to celebrate the life of Amy Johnson, who was born in the city.

In relation to the specific issue that my honourable friend races, I

know there has been lengthy dialogue and the science Museum is looking at

the delicate state of the aeroplane and potential cost but this is a

matter I am happy to look into further and I am happy to meet my

honourable friend to discuss this. I am sure the Secretary of State will

be delighted to know that Hull now ranks in the top ten cities of the

world to visit. On what basis, I am pleased that one of my honourable

neighbours from across the way has supported the bit to bring the Amy

Johnson claimed to Hull, but on that basis, will he pressed the Treasury

to fill the gap, the ?5 million gap that the arts Council turned down

for the refurbishment of the new Theatre in Hull, so it can go ahead

for the 2017 celebrations and also in light of the recent payment of a

new Theatre in Manchester. She is right to include the settlement

which included money for arts institutions. I'm aware of the issue

relating to the University of Hull and keen to support as much as

possible in the city during this very important year that is

approaching. I am happy to continue to press the case. She will

understand that there were a lot of competing bids. We are determined to

make Hull a success. Mr Speaker, good progress is being

made on the BBC programme puts up a consultation which launched in July

perceived 192,000 responses. We are responding to all of them, and

reached 130,000 people. I've commissioned further review,

including an independent review, and in the coming months my department

will work to publish proposals for them. Would the Minister not accept

that the huge number of responses to the consultation, which is a second

largest response, shows the concern people have an interest people have

in the BBC? In the interest full transparency, will the Secretary of

not give my constituents a specific timetable when the government will

publish its full response to the BBC consultation? As I said, I'm pleased

the volume responses we've had, although it is the case that we are

approaching 130,048 hours, and they have boasted of the excise --

excess. Maybe not wholly representative of the public

opinion. We are committed to reading everyone. That is proving a

logistical challenge and has taken longer than we'd anticipated, but we

will be publishing a summary of the consultation and our own proposals.

There have been reports that as a part of cost-cutting, the BBC will

downgrade News coverage, and it is Parliamentary coverage. With the

Secretary of State agree that the public should reasonably expect that

a news channel and Parliamentary report should be essential for a

public service? My honourable friend will understand it is not for me to

tell the BBC how to spend their resources. However, I do agree with

him... I do agree with him that it is a core part of the BBC, that they

should provide news, and that includes coverage of the proceedings

of this House. My constituents tell me they don't want the BBC

dismantled, they don't want to diminish, they don't want its remit

narrowed. This is a government which has flogged up more than our

national assets than any other. Can we trust them with the BBC? The

Charter of the BBC expires at the end of this year. And it does

provide an opportunity to look at all aspects of the BBC and what is a

very fast changing media landscape, that is the purpose of the charter

review. We have not reached a decision and listing to all

expressions of opinion about the future of the BBC, of which there

are very many. How does the Secretary of State explain the

worrying discrepancy between the amount raised by a licence fees and

the amount spent in Scotland? A mismatch of 335 and pounds, and the

?190 million spent the -- 335 and pounds. Would he not accept it would

boost Scotland? I would say that viewers in Scotland benefit from

national programming of the BBC. She will be aware that the director

general weaselly gave evidence to the Scottish education and culture

committee, which he pointed out that in 2014 108 million was spent on

local content, and it has raised towards 200 million. Mr Speaker, 97%

of the adult population of the UK use the BBC's services for an

average of 18 hours a week, and their perceptions of the BBC have

improved in the last ten years. According to the BBC trust, it is of

the public support their main mission to educate and entertain.

These figures are an endorsement of the ethos of the BBC. His

department's consultation on charter renewal close on the 8th of October

pasture, and is now spent more time considering responses to that than

he allowed the public to respond. When will he get his act together

and publish the results? Can he give us a date today? Can I begin by

welcoming the honourable lady to her new position? I have been doing this

job for a short time, just eight months. She is the third holder of

the position of opposition spokesman, so I hope she survives a

little longer than her predecessors. In relation to her question, I am

keen that we should publish our proposals, but we did not anticipate

192,000 responses, and she will understand that if I were to get up

and publish our conclusions in a short period, she would be at the

dispatch box claiming we had not properly analyse them and it was

cosmetic. It is not a cosmetic exercise, and we are reading them

carefully. He sounds he is procrastinating. The BBC charter, as

he said, does expire, but he does not even got around to publishing

his white Paper because the consultation is taken so long for

him to reply to. Can he guarantee that his department's time wasting

when puzzle is taken so long for him to reply to. Can he guarantee that

his department's time wasting when puzzles in some debilitating,

short-term charter by the end of the year? And can guarantee it will be

for a minimum ten years? The charter review comes round once every ten

years, and we want to get it right. We will take however long it takes

in order to fully consult and consider the options. We will

publish as soon as we are ready. In relation to the length, that is one

of the questions contained in a Green paper, and which we are

considering, and will form part of our conclusions when we come to

publish it. Michael Wood. Since the chamber met last, the Minister for

sport has launched the first government's sport strategy, and the

menace of culture has become the longest serving arts minister in

history -- minister of culture. We have seen the sad passing of some

cultural icons. I'm sure the whole chamber wall give their sympathies

for the families and bands of data by week, Jimmy Hill, Alan Rickman

and Lenny, and in celebrating the enormous conjuration they made to

our country. -- Lemmy. The attraction of the star Wars

franchise to our country shows a diversity of our film franchise.

What has my honourable friend made of tax credits on the film industry?

My honourable friend is right to highlight the success we have had in

attracting international investment in film to this country, not just on

Start Wars, but major films being made now, and part of that is tax

credits. In 2013, the creative industries accounted for 5% of the

economy, and tax credits are one way of supporting them. It has been

responsible for nearly ?7 billion of investment, and our TV tax credit

has supported ?800 million. What assistance will the department give

to local authorities to keep their regional museums open, following the

recent museum association report stating that one of five regional

museums have closed in part or in full, and that one in ten expect to

have to introduce entrance charges to cover reductions in local

authority funding? I read the museum association 's report and I welcome

that 6% of museums have seen their visitor numbers increase, and 40%

have seen the education outreach increase. We want to work with local

authorities, work with the arts Council, and I would urge Labour

authorities to look again at the horrific plans to close museums.

Nuisance phone calls continued to blight the lives... A situation in

Mr Nuttall has not been fully heard, and he will be heard. Nuisance phone

calls continued to be blighting the lives of my constituents. Can the

Minister explain how quickly the latest propose action will be

introduced and enforce? I'm pleased we have now issued a consultation on

caller identification, which we hope will allow people to screen the

calls. What progress has been made in securing at least 5% of the

Premier League TV deals for grassroots football? Children's

football is unplayable at this time of year, yet the Premier League

continued to throw money around as though it is going out of fashion.

The honourable member will be pleased to know that through

negotiations and discussions with the Premier League, I've managed to

secure at least double what it is they currently invest in grassroots

football, so that is more than ?100 million per annum, which equates to

around 6.5% of their total. The long serving arts and broadband minister

wash my disappointing that despite his welcome promise to make sure no

home in the country has broadband speed less than 2 megabits, there

are parts of my constituency in Gloucester which is not reached that

speed yet. I've raised one area with BT since 2013. They promise to

upgrade it, then they fell to do so, and say it is unviable. Will he meet

with me and celebrate his long tenure by resolving this problem? I

will meet my honourable friend at any point. I'm pleased that at least

94% of his constituents have superfast broadband. It is more

difficult because of state aid rules, but I will meet with him and

discuss the issues he faces. I too would like to wish the Minister well

on returning, and hope it all goes well. A recent FOIA from the Calman

commission has a field 633 issues of laundry -- gambling commission. What

the government going to do to protect staff in betting shops and

those who are vulnerable? I take the issue of gambling seriously, and the

gambling commission are consulting on changes to strengthen the fight

against this crime, and the Treasury will be consulting on the directive,

which will include gambling. In relation to the issue of violent in

betting shops, there has been an increase in police call-outs to

high-street shops. It is not recorded as to where the call-out is

related faulty machines, but as a keen campaigner, today I published

the evaluation of the ?50 regulations introduced last April,

and I expect a review to begin soon. Will the Secretary of State journey

to find the towns across the country. The secretary of State will

be able to join me for pancake racing. I'm happy to congratulate

all those towns holding arts festivals, which is not just

Horsham. I'm pleased that my honourable friend's constituency,

there are plans to commemorate Shakespeare's 400 anniversary of his

death, which we will mark across the world. I would be happy to come to

his constituency, but I can't promise to participate in the

pancake race. Despite talk of a national programme, there was a

deferential of ?450 million in Scotland. That could free up money

for direct production in Scotland, which would support 5000 jobs and at

60 bling pounds to the economy. I am aware of the concerns in

Scotland about this, and as I said earlier, it is something which the

director general discuss with the select committee last week. I shall

be seen the director-general later. It is important the BBC should serve

all parts of the country, but you can't simply sit down and allocate

spending precisely in proportion to the licence fee, it is a national

broadcaster. Can I wish my honourable friend well in her

imminent sporting challenge? As my honourable friend knows, Faversham

and Mid Kent is rich in fantastic and fascinating tourist

destinations, such as the historic market town of Faversham. I welcomed

the 40 million visit England fund recently announced. Could my

honourable friend and advise whether organisations like visit Kent will

have a bid to get some of this share?

As a Kent MP, I am proud of our tourist attractions. I can assure

you that all parts of the country, including Kent, will have an

opportunity to make a bid. Downton Abbey's servants quarters were in my

constituency. Now that it has ended, what is the Government doing to

increased representation of the region's ethnic, regional and gender

diversity is, so the airwaves are not dominated by the classes

upstairs? I fully support the sentiment behind this question. We

worked closely with the broadcaster and have stretching targets and a

creative diversity target. But broadcasters need to get on with it.

A funding bid was recently released. In the interests of brevity, yes or

no, will my right honourable friend encouragement esters in sealed cheek

to look favourably upon that bit? The importance of tourism to

Staffordshire is something that should be stressed. This is a matter

for my colleagues in the Department of communities for local Government.

I understand they have been in discussion. The Minister for local

growth and the Northern powerhouse will be happy to set up a meeting to

discuss the position. Over 20,000 jobs depend on tourism in York. What

support community initiative to ensure that attractions like Jorvik

and others are restored, following the floods? I am conscious of the

challenge to ensure that we get the message out that Yorkshire, as other

parts of the country affected by flooding, are indeed open for

business. We will be looking closely what we can do to support those

businesses are affected by flooding. That is something I hope to see more

about soon. Did the Minister confirmed they would be a triennial

review this year? What will that the? Yes. The review will be in

2016, precise timings to be confirmed. Andy Murray won last

night again. He is from Mike is the 20. He is a hero. -- he is from my

constituency. Can the Government is sure me that we will do all we can

to ensure we are a shining example to promote the integrity of sport,

as epitomised by Andy Murray? I am happy to join in with that call. I

spoke to the all England tennis club and the Association of tennis

professionals and we are determined to do what we can to support them in

ensuring the game is absolutely clean. They are committed to that as

well. We will be holding a summit later in the year to look at the

challenge of tackling corruption across all sectors, including that

of sport. Given the imminent rise of the mobile infrastructure through

gram, what can now be done to improve the knot spot situation,

which is wholly unsatisfactory, in relation to the rural economy? I am

pleased we should have 75 site erected as a result of a programme.

32 people living in Wales have benefited from a new mobile site. We

negotiated a deal with mobile operators to increase coverage to

90% geographic coverage. Firstly, to congratulate my local football team

for reaching the last 16 of the Scottish cup. It is unfair that

English football fans can watch their national team free of charge

but Scottish fans have to pay. Will he meet with the Scottish Government

to resolve the situation? I should just say that this is a matter for

the home nation football associations and the Scottish FA. It

should renegotiate with Uefa on their central sales strategy. We

have a listed event regime, where the tendency home nations compete in

tournament is that home nations must qualify. The honourable member for

Hyndburn has the nerve to claim to be a champion of workers when, if

his policies were adopted, there would be far fewer betting shop

workers because they would be closed. If he wants to see more

staff in betting shops, there needs to be a viable financial future for

them, in particular in relation to negotiation on machines and the

levy. There are strict statutory requirements around the number of

people staffed in betting shops. This is subject to health and safety

regulation. There is voluntary minimum standards required across

the industry. I expect all operators to add here to those to protect

staff on the High Street. Questions to the right honourable member for

Carshalton and Wallington and to be Leader of the House, Mr Peter Grant.

With permission, I will answer questions one and two together. I

anticipate both houses will have another Gina G to debate this one is

the joint committee on the Palace of Westminster has reported that the

question of future scrutiny will be aired in those debates and the House

of Commons commission will listen carefully to views expressed before

making any decision. Many of