Live Culture, Media and Sport Questions House of Commons

forget to join me for a round-up of the day in both Houses of Parliament

at 11pm tonight. First, questions to the Culture Secretary, John

Whittingdale and his ministerial team. Culture, media and sport. Mr

Metcalfe. All are First World War programmes

are designed to encourage children and young people, including the

great tours. Only last week young people had a prominent role in our

commemorations to commemorate the Battle of Jutland. On the 30th of

June one of July we will celebrate the centenary of the Battle of the

Somme and young people will play a key role at events at Westminster

Abbey. The project commemorating the 100 anniversary of the Battle of the

Somme is getting young people from across Basildon thinking of the

important events of 100 years ago. What my right honourable friend

encourage me in joining more young people to get involved in

commemorating the Battle of the Somme by calling all remaining

schools in Basildon to sign up to this project so that students can

benefit from its opportunities. I am delighted to hear the fantastic work

in his constituency and of course endorse all efforts to encourage

people to engage with the programme and discover their history. Young

people can also get involved in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

living memory project in their local area and find out about events near

them that are part of the Imperial War Museum centenary partnership.

It is important young people engage with the commemorations, but it is

also important we in this house seek to engage with the commemorations as

well. I wonder if the Minister shares my concern, just a few weeks

ahead of the 100th anniversary for the centenary of the Battle of the

Somme we don't have a planned moment here to debate this in this house.

If he does agree with me, and I know is concern shared widely across the

House, could he used his office to raise this issue with the Leader of

the House so members of the House can have that moment here to reflect

on that important moment in our history?

I thank the gentleman and endorse his comments on well have a word

with the Leader of the House and Mr Speaker will. I would certainly back

that. Would my honourable friend ensure

when the First World War is commemorated too much emphasis is

placed on the set piece battles? The truth is, on average every day

during the First World War, every day, 450 servicemen lost their

lives. That is equivalent to all the losses in Afghanistan. That was not

just a few set battles, it was every day over four years.

My honourable friend makes a very good point and therefore we are

funding, giving funding for communities to explore first war

history through the lottery fund as well as the war memorial 's trust.

We are very much aware that local communities should be celebrating,

commemorating and looking at the whole aspect of their local

communities, to highlight what happened and to remember those who

served and gave their lives. I thank the Minister for

acknowledging the contribution of young people in Orkney to the Battle

of Jutland commemorations last week for which he was present. Is not the

lesson of this, surely, that involving young people makes it

meaningful and poignant the people of all ages? And if we want to

engage young people, involve them, don't lecture them.

I was still I did to be in the right honourable gentleman's constituency

with the commemorations and to experience the moving ceremonies

that took place in commemoration of a sudden scenery. I think it is

important we engage everybody, but particularly young people. --

commemoration of the centenary. I welcome the work people are doing

to engage young people, allowing them to understand suffering and

sacrifice. But what steps the Department doing to understand the

implications of World War I? The redrawing of boundaries in the

Middle East? I think it is very important we get

across the whole aspect of this. What he said is very important. Our

determination is to focus, at the moment, on the particular events we

are commemorating, but wider to get people, young people in particular,

aware of the history of the 20th century, of war, of the experience

people had and the tragedy of war. Would the Minister congratulate

everyone who has been involved, particularly pushing the involvement

for the rest of the world? For Northern Ireland, Ireland, the

Indians, the Africans and all who were part of it, so children when it

was including most areas of the world, an awful price paid by men?

Indeed, I think it is very important the Empire, the Commonwealth, the

contributions all parts of the communities in the four nations and

our own country and the Commonwealth and in particular the Indians, the

Canadians and Australians on the rest of them. It is a whole aspect

and what we're trying to do is make sure we will be doing that at the

bottom of the Somme commemorations. Thank you Mr Speaker. Criminal

receding is connected to the subject matter of the Leveson Inquiry,

including the appeals process, have not yet completed. We have always

been clear these cases must conclude before we consider part two of being

quiet river. I'm grateful to the Secretary of

State for that answer. Can I pin him down? Are we talking about when

criminal proceedings are finished there will be a part two, or there

might be? As he told the House on March the 3rd it is a decision about

or Leveson Inquiry will take place afterwards.

This is something we need to consider in detail once those cases

have been concluded. There still areas which were not fully explored

in the original inquiry. There have been events since the original

inquiry, not least the proceedings in the courts. All of these matters

will need to be taken into account when we consider how best to proceed

after the conclusion of those cases. The Secretary of State was one of

three chairs of select committees, including myself, who went to see

the Prime Minister, was given a cast-iron guarantee we would have a

part two. I accept what he says about terminal proceedings. This is

exactly what the Home Secretary said on the 16th of December, but there

is no reason why we shouldn't have a timetable to prepare for the

eventuality. These can't go on for ever, even in our criminal justice

system. There has to be an end. Can we not have a timetable and the

selection of the head of the inquiry so we can begin that very important

process? I am delighted to hear that the Home

Secretary and I are singing from the same hymn sheet on this matter. I

have talked to her about it. That was at a time when we thought it

looked as if the cases were going to come to a conclusion in the

reasonably near future. Unfortunately, or at least

fortunately or unfortunately, new cases were brought and those are the

ones which haven't even started in some cases yet. I think it is very

difficult to put a timetable on it. I agree with the honourable

gentleman, it cannot go on indefinitely, but it is all ready

going on longer than was initially anticipated.

The Prime Minister's 5-point plan for tourism sets out how this

government will help grow the tourism industry. 2015 set new

records for inbound visits and spend but we are not complacent. To

further boost tourism in England the Chancellor announced a new ?40

million discover England fundamentals of all visitors in

discovering even more of England's hidden gems.

The Minister may be aware of many of the great tourist attractions in

Lancashire, including the Castle, the stunning boat views over

Morecambe Bay and the forests of Poland. Does he feel the tens of

thousands of jobs supported by tourism in my area helped or

hindered by the potential threat of fracking Wells appearing in North

Lancashire? I very much share the honourable lady's appreciation of

the beauties of the coast in the north-west of this country. Fracking

does offer terrific opportunities, in terms of accessing further

low-cost energy, and I don't believe it should represent any threat to

the tourism industry. Whilst I hear perhaps I could take advantage of

this moment to pay tribute to the fantastic work of the Minister for

tourism, my honourable friend the Bexleyheath. He has done a great

job. We look forward to welcoming the return of our colleague shortly,

but my friend has done a fantastic job and no doubt will continue to

advocate sports, tourism and heritage in the extremely effective

way years been doing for the last few months.

Our coastal communities are particularly important to the

tourist sector. There are also the communities that have been affected

by men of the EU over the last 40 years. The initiative is the

Secretary of State mentioned a few moments ago, can he give an

assurance they will be directed particular coastal communities?

I share a lot of my honourable friend's views about our membership

of the EU though I have to say don't think membership of the EU has a

great bearing on to rhythm. People come to this country because of our

fantastic heritage, wonderful landscape, arts, sport and not

because we are members of the European Union. The north-west has

many attractions. I hope the north-west will take advantage of

the England fund I discovered described earlier, to raise

awareness of the many attractions England has outside of London. As my

honourable friend and the honourable lady have said, a lot of those are

in the north-west. As a Secretary of State had any recent discussions

with the Northern Ireland executive about tourism Ireland, which is the

strange body which is responsible for marketing the Irish Republic and

Northern Ireland overseas? There is a concern in Northern Ireland about

Northern Ireland's identity being lost and not being able to benefit

from the tourists coming into England, coming on to Northern

Ireland which has a tremendous tourism offering.

I am aware of these likely defeat -- different arrangements in Northern

Ireland. I haven't spoken to the minister responsible in that I think

he's only just arrived but I look forward to meeting him in due course

and it's certainly a matter I'd be happy to speak to him about at that

time. I joined the Secretary of State in applauding the success of

36.1 million inbound visitors last year. The Secretary of State will be

aware that 67% of those visitors are from the EU and 74% from other

European countries overall. I was wondering if I could get the

Secretary of State in joining me in saying, thank you, Europe, and

please come more and spend more. I am extremely happy to you during my

honourable friend in saying that. In my own view, this country would

prosper better outside the European Union but that does not in anyway

have any reflection on my attitude towards our fellow citizens in

Europe coming to visit us in the UK and I hope they will continue to do

so in ever increasing numbers whether or not we are in the

European Union. We have had now the full year domestic and inbound

figures for 2015 and I have to say it is really good news on both

fronts, as we have already heard from a right honourable friend the

Secretary of State, but there is really good news on domestic

terrorism that the number of overnight trips in the UK with --

reaching 117 million, up 14% in 2014. The spend is a new record of

billions of pounds and we continue to grow both domestic and foreign

tourist numbers in this country in this coming year. What support can

the Minister give to the Derbyshire cycleway, bringing not only safer

cycling for all ages but encouraging much-needed local and international

terrorism in the local area? I give my full support to the day Valley

cycleway, and excellent steam to -- scheme to open up the valley for

more people to see. Cycling has many health and environmental benefits

and the increased number of local and international visitors arriving

and using the cycleway will benefit tourism in the region. I've got

great respect for the Minister and will he use his good common sense,

ground his boss, bring him to Yorkshire, actually speak to grill

people in the tourism business who are dreadfully worried about the

impact of us leaving be you, in terms of jobs, investment and so

much house, Yorkshire is a prime tourist destination that we do not

want to hand. It is a prime destination for tourism and has so

much to offer. I've been going around the country, I am going off

to Devon and Dorset tomorrow to promote tourism again and I will do

all I can to get domestic visitors and foreigners to come to Yorkshire

and the rest of our great nation. I'm sure the people of Devon and

Dorset will soon realise how lucky they are. Mr Kevin Foster. We

certainly do in Devon. Question number five. Sport such as rugby

union bring tremendous benefits to be individuals and communities who

engage in them. Between 2000 and 13 and 2017, sport England is

investigating millions of pounds to get more people playing rugby. I

thank the Minister for his answer. There are 47 rugby union clubs

across Devon, giving people a chance to get involved in the game and

their community. What further support can the Government give them

to get people involved? I'd like to take the opportunity to congratulate

Devon RFU on the work they've been doing to provide them and the

opportunities for people to get involved in a great game of rugby.

Across Devon, sport England has invested 319,000 pounds to upgrade

and improve nine rugby grounds. As I said... I think the honourable lady

opposite should listen. We listened to her yesterday when she was

waffling on about the BBC, so she should listen today to get some

back. We are focused, Mr Speaker, I'm getting more people from all

backgrounds involved in sport and physical activity. By talking about

the BBC, rugby union is one of many sports covered by the corporation

with its editorial independence. As the Minister taken time to reflect

on yesterday's BBC debate, reviewed today's press coverage, and realised

that God meant interference in editorial issues is deeply

unwelcome? -- realised that Government interference is deeply

unwelcome? I commend the excellent speeches that we had from my right

honourable friend the Secretary of State and the Minister. With the

support and how of his department, we had the first ever mixed ability

Rugby World Cup in my constituency last year. Can I ask my honourable

friend if his department will continue to help and support mixed

ability rugby and also perhaps whether he will use his good office

to extend the mixed ability format which has been so successful in my

constituency to other sports as well? I know what a champion he is

for his area and constituency. We believe very much in -- in inclusion

and getting as many people involved as possible. As the Minister had a

chance to look at the success of schemes like get onside, run for

young offenders at Feltham, where rugby has a great record for

re-militating -- rehabilitating prisoners and will he look into

that? Rugby is a fantastic game which brings together all sorts of

different people from different backgrounds and has great

opportunities for community. I will certainly look at that. I am very

pleased to tell you once again, Mr Speaker, how well the Royal -- rural

broadband programme is going. We have reached our target of 90% and

we will reach the target of 95% by the end of 2017. My constituents

think -- will welcome the new legal right to faster broadband. Can I ask

if the reasonable cost will be benchmarked against firstly the

realistic cost of installing in rural areas which are not currently

connected to fast broadband and secondly, to the cheapest cost that

anyone would charge rather than that which BT open reach would calculate?

We will certainly be consulting on that and it may be that a number of

providers could provide welcome competition but that will be open

for consultation once we have passed this legislation which I know what

happy support of the whole house. Earlier this week, I received an

e-mail from the Minister which helpfully informed me that 3198

premises in my constituency, that's 8% or one in 12 are not currently

going to be connected to superfast broadband. What does the Minister

had to say to the sizeable number of my constituents of never being able

to access an adequate broadband connection? Well, what I would say

to her constituents is that, as we said, we would get to 90% by the end

of last year, which we achieved, and that we would get to 95% by the end

of 2017, so we have been completely transparent about what we're going

to do. We are now consulting to help constituents such as hers who are

not within the rural broadband programme. We are bringing in

changes which I hope will have the support of the opposition bunch

bench and I would hope -- front bench and I would say that they

should support the Government as they go to reach more per

constituents. She should be telling them that rather than complaining.

Residents are extremely frustrated at the lack of being able to access

superfast broadband, so will the Minister encouraged BT to get them

connected? I will certainly do that. What discussions is the Minister

having about universal service obligation when the bills come

through? In order to ensure this relationship is cemented, can I

offer my region as a pilot scheme? I would certainly be happy to work

with both him and the worst Government. I have always found them

both to be very congenial colleagues in terms of the roll-out of

superfast broadband. We know that the Secretary of State wants to

leave the European Union but his minister already appears to have

left the United Kingdom, inhabiting some fantasy broadband ear where

everything, to quote the Minister, is an unadulterated success. For the

rest of us in the 21st-century United Kingdom, it's a different

reality. One in Five broadband is half the speed of what is considered

to be acceptable by Ofcom whilst in rural areas, people have no access

to 4G, so will he stop fantasising and recognise that this rural

broadband betrayal is devastating. I'm sure the honourable lady will

want to join me in commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the landslide

victory of Margaret Thatcher. In that year, there was no broadband. I

was sitting my A-levels but the Secretary of State was on the battle

bus. Margaret Thatcher made quite the countryside allowance --

countryside Alliance. Let me quote about rural Arcadia, looking forward

like. To drying -- dying, battling for green fields because he can live

in the countryside with a broadband access. Let us remind ourselves that

Labour had a pathetic two bit policy. Let us talk up the success

of this programming bed of constantly talking down great

broadband Britain. I'm sure the honourable gentleman's performances

greatly enjoyed, not least by the honourable gentleman. Talk about

overacting. As I was saying, Mr Speaker, a great broadband Britain

in a great European Union where Britain sits at the centre of the

digital single market which, if it is implemented, will increase GDP by

something like 3%. This time, I think the Minister is onto

something. The UK is Europe's leading economy and we have the most

to gain from the digital market, which is why 96% of members of the

creative industries Federation want us to remain in the European Union.

Will he have a go at persuading his right honourable friend had damaging

it would be for digital jobs in the UK if we left the EU. Well, my right

honourable friend has his own mind and, quite rightly, he often takes

the view that it's not worth listening to me, which is probably

why he's such a successful Secretary of State. I do wish he would listen

to me on this issue, because it is quite right that Tecau digital

companies do benefit from being members of the European Union and

they will continue to thrive if we stay there. Does the Minister agree

that whilst the Internet has been a huge source of economic growth in

this country, the last thing it needs is to be stifled by the

Brussels bureaucrats, which is exactly what will happen with the

proposals contained in the EU single digital market strategy? Well, Mr

Speaker, I know that that intervention reminds me that this is

the 41st anniversary of the first radio transmission from the House of

Commons and its quality interventions like that that keeps

the British public are listening and watching our proceedings. But I

don't think that the Brussels bureaucracy is stifling. In fact, we

have 500 British broadcasting companies based in Britain because

of European regulations. The protection of cultural heritage

affected by act of destruction as a priority for this government. The

Government is providing ?30 million for a new cultural protection fund

and the Bill which will allow the UK to ratify the Hague Convention and

had its second reading in the House of Lords earlier this week.

As one of the few archaeologists in this house, I feel we need as a

country to take the lead in protecting our cultural heritage.

Does he feel deep cultural protection fund and cultural

property protection Bill is doing this question what I am grateful to

my honourable friend and we certainly benefit from his benefit

in this area from his expertise. This country has long been a strong

advocate of cultural protection but the perception of our commitment has

perhaps been undermined by failure until now, to ratify the 1954 Hague

Convention. I am delighted we will be doing so through the cultural

property Bill which will reinforce our position as one of the leading

voices in advocating the importance of cultural protection around the

world. There is really good news on

domestic tourism, the number of overnight trips in England in 2015

is up 11%. In the five regions it saw double-digit growth in domestic

overnight trips on the previous year. Last year there was a positive

growth injuries in the East of England, inbound and domestic

visits. As you know Mr Speaker, Colchester

is the oldest recorded town in written, our oldest capitals at it.

We have Roman walls, a Roman circus and can I invite the Minister to

visit Colchester and see the amazing tourism potential our town has to

offer? I think I should commend my

honourable friend on what a champion he is for his city of Colchester. It

is a place of huge cultural significance and history, and I

encourage tourists to discover what is on offer there. I thank for his

invitation, it sounds like a fantastic opportunity and my office

will see what diary permits for future visits. It also has a very

good university! As someone who spent several years

as a bus Strydonck, I know one factor which encourages tourism is

integrated ticketing on public transport. Could the Minister have a

word with the Secretary of State for Transport to amend the bus services

Bill to allow more integrated services and allow councils to run

services? As the honourable gentleman knows,

that is not in my remit to comment on. What I can say is the Chancellor

has been rather generous with his spending on transport in this

Parliament. 50% higher than in previous years. What we want to make

sure is visitors have the confidence to explore Britain using public

transport. As my honourable friend will know,

we only have a nuke of the jokes in Lichfield, the original one built in

1650 burned down. Ours was built recently... What can we do in

Courage people to visit places like Lichfield, which as beautiful as

they are, are regarded by bus companies and coach companies as

being slightly off the beaten track? Again, my honourable friend is a

tremendous champion for his constituency over many years. What

we have had, thanks to the Chancellor, the ?40 million discover

England fund, to incentivise the development of world-class

itineraries. I hope very much his area and others will be looking at

that to make applications to see we can get tourists to his part of the

world. In Northern Ireland we have an

increasing number of tourists who are visiting Northern Ireland. Not

just because Liam Neeson is on the tourism adverts or because we have

the Giants Causeway to go to, but because more people are holidaying

at home. What can he do to make sure all the nations can work together so

we can all take advantage of the tourism attractions customer

fantastic opportunities for tourists go to Northern Ireland and see what

is on offer. We are trying to ring courage people

to have vacations at home and work with the devolved authorities to try

and promote tourism, visit Northern Ireland, visit Scotland, visit

Wales, visit Ireland, to see a joined up and see what great

opportunities we have. Just like every other...

The off, code of listed events make sure key events are free to air

channels. Our sport strategy published last year makes clear the

Government does not propose to review this list.

Just like every other football fan on this island, Scottish fans are

looking forward to Euro 2016. During qualification we were unable to

watch significant matches, including against Germany, on free to air

channels. We were able to watch Romania and Albania and Austria

also. When are these regarded of national interest in our home teams

are not? The Scottish football fans will have

the choice of the three home nations that have qualified, to choose which

to support in the course of the championships. I am sorry Scotland

on this occasion did not make it through. However, the question of

which matches are shown by which particular broadcaster is the one

for the sporting authorities. The limited list applies to a very

restricted number of sporting events but beyond that it is for each

sporting body to decide how best to strike a balance between maximising

revenue for their sport and reaching as large an audience as possible.

I am sure the whole house will want to wish the teams of England, Wales,

Northern Ireland and the Republic of island all the best in the European

Championships. Football shows us we have more in common with our

European neighbours than divides us. I'm sure the Secretary of State

would agree. This was demonstrated by the singing of the RCA in

response to the attacks in Paris. In that spirit will you join me in

urging fans to enjoy the tournament peacefully, whether they are

travelling to France or watching in the company of their friends homes

or in public places and to assist the police and security services in

trying to ensure we have a safe and secure tournament?

I completely agree with the honourable gentleman and am very

grateful to him for putting the case he has and giving me the opportunity

of endorsing everything he says. We do look forward to the matches in

the championships to come. We wish all the home Nations success. I have

a second interest, in that I drew England in the departmental

sweepstake and will be supporting England in their match against

Russia, which sadly was drawn by my honourable friend. She will have

torn loyalties on that particular occasion! We hope that match and

every other match passes off peaceably enter maximum enjoyment of

those participating and watching. Topical questions, Will Quinn 's.

Andy Murray has reached the final of the French Open and boxing has lost

its most famous and greatest exponent in Muhammad Ali. The

Southbank sky awards in June honoured British talent, including

the Minister for culture's favourite rapper and I'm sure the whole house

will be looking forward to the Euro Championships which bred -- begin in

France this weekend. Colchester Borough Council, Essex County

Council are contributing towards the Mercury Theatre's ?8.8 million

expansion plans. Does my honourable friend agree with me that investment

in the arts is an investment in local economy and we should get

behind these exciting and impressive plans?

I certainly do join my honourable friend. I think he was ten at the

time that he may recall at that time I was representing part of

Colchester in the House of Commons. I'm very familiar with the Mercury

Theatre and delighted to hear about the investment going into its

expansion. I think any investment in our hearts does bring real benefits,

not least in economic terms for the local community. I wish them

continuing success in the future. On Tuesday the Secretary of State

state told the DMS committee in his evidence there had been no

discussions on government about Channel 4 privatisation and the

examination of such an option had not been started by the 9th of

September 2015 when he previously answered questions before the

committee. However, in answer to an FOIA request on the 27th of April

received my office, the department confirmed he met with the Minister

for the Cabinet Office to discuss Channel 4 reform options on the 3rd

of September, six days before his appearance in front of that

committee. Can he explain the discrepancy?

Thank you. Yes, the first discussions that I had with the

Cabinet office minister was about Channel 4 and what possible options

there would be for its future. At that stage no decisions had been

taken. Following that, the department did begin to look at

whether or not there was a case for having a fundamental examination and

the decision to go ahead with that was taken subsequent to that and

after my appearance before the select committee. Later in the month

of September. Well, Mr Speaker, on Tuesday, in

answer to questions from the select committee he was asked whether or

not any discussions at all had taken place before the 9th of September

and he replied, I have the no, not within government. That

seems to me a bit discrepancy. It seems he may have misled the

committee and I invite him to correct his evidence to them now on

this very important matter, that matters to a lot of us in this

house, the future of Channel 4. I entirely agree with the honourable

lady that the future of Channel 4 is an important matter. Whether or not

the discussion which the Cabinet office minister, which took place on

the 3rd of September constituted the beginning of an examination, when

actually a decision was not taken to begin that examination and on about

four weeks later doesn't seem to me a central, important matter in the

future of Channel 4. We did decide it was sensible to carry out an

examination. That examination is still underway. We have still not

yet reached decisions as to the best way forward for Channel 4, but I

look forward to having that discussion with Channel 4 in the

very near future. There is a great aspiration in

Cornwall to have a sports stadium. The Minister will know what this

aspiration. What financial support or otherwise can his department give

to deliver the stadium for Cornwall. I am grateful to my honourable

friend and would like to pay tribute to his efforts, particular, to bring

about the stadium for Cornwall, which is something the Government is

committed to. As he knows, I have held two meetings with interested

parties in Cornwall, which he was able to come to as well. I

understand good progress is being made, a draft planning application

is now going before the council. I hope that that will lead to progress

and that will we will see commencement of work on a new

stadium in the near future. What protections can my constituents

and others expect mobile phone roaming charges in Europe, in the

event of an exit on the 24th of June?

I think that is a very good question, Mr Speaker. Britain was at

the forefront of negotiating the reduction in roaming charges,

working with our European partners. It is yet another example of the

benefit to consumers and citizens of being a member of the European

Union. Mr Speaker, after the huge success

of the London Paralympics we saw how Paralympics can inspire. Six of my

constituents have been selected to represent us at Rio Imp Paralympic

basketball. It is important we wish all of our

athletes great success in Rio, the Paralympics are just as important as

the Olympics and we wish all of them success in their ventures.

On Tuesday I met with the project director for the Paisley bid.

Despite me a few weeks ago... We are still none the wiser on the date

involved in the process. Can I courage the Secretary of State to

advise on this? I'd take his points on board and we

will make sure the bidding process is as transparent and clear as

possible and will make the rules as clear as possible. While we are

talking about culture, I think it is important to mark today as the

anniversary of the publication of the first book of Common prayer by

Archbishop Cranmer in 1569, the 9th of June, following the Anglican

Church's break with Europe, I mean Rome!

Can I thank the Minister for his e-mail on Monday about superfast

broadband. Can I also raise the problem of not spots in role areas

with him and ask what the department are doing following the cessation of

investigations into this? The mobile input structure -- the mobile

infrastructure project was a massive success but it has now been

overtaken by a project to increase the number of masks to tackle not

spots over the next few months. I will keep him informed. There has

been much discussion of world War three in this House in the last few

days and there is a real problem that world War three could start in

my own constituency as footballs from a local school keep falling

into residence garden. Can the Minister tell us whether there might

be grants available to stop this happening? I'm sorry to learn of the

problems faced by residents in his constituency. We are very keen to

encourage sporting participation and excellence in sport and perhaps

better aim in kicking the ball is may help to alleviate this problem

and that is certainly something we would seek to encourage. Questions

to the Leader of the