Contributions
3,240 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDTelevision LicencesThe noble Lord is right to highlight the sacrifices made by the over-75s, but we are all aware that sacrifices have been made in many age groups. It is critical that we are clear…06 Jul 2020HANSARDTelevision LicencesThe noble Baroness is right to say that, over the past few months, the BBC has certainly provided high-quality information, education and entertainment, and has shown great…06 Jul 2020HANSARDTelevision LicencesMy noble friend raised a number of different options but, at the risk of repeating myself, we are very clear that it is the responsibility of the BBC to work out how it spends its…06 Jul 2020HANSARDTelevision LicencesThe noble Baroness has raised an important point, which I will share with colleagues in the department.06 Jul 2020HANSARDTelevision LicencesThe noble Lord is critical of the last settlement, but I would remind him that the BBC itself regarded it as a good deal.06 Jul 2020HANSARDTelevision LicencesI am slightly perplexed by the noble Lord’s question, because I do not think that the Government see the licence fee as a bran tub at all. As I have said in answer to almost every…06 Jul 2020HANSARDTelevision LicencesThere will be a very wide range of issues, I am sure, to be discussed between my right honourable friend the Secretary of State and the new director-general of the BBC when he…06 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Orchestras and Cultural VenuesThe noble and gallant Lord raises a really important point. We know that the evidence in relation to social mobility and the arts is very strong. In the new Arts Council England…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Orchestras and Cultural VenuesThe noble Baroness has raised an important point about clarity of timing. The Secretary of State recently revealed a five-stage road map that will allow the performing arts sector…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Orchestras and Cultural VenuesSadly, I do not have the talents to put myself in the shoes of musicians, but I understand the point the noble Lord is making. I can stress only that, from my perspective, in the…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Orchestras and Cultural VenuesMy noble friend is absolutely right: those young graduates should not be forgotten. I think I am right in saying that in the Prime Minister’s speech yesterday there was a…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Orchestras and Cultural VenuesThe “Know Before You Go” scheme that the noble Lord mentioned sounds very sensible. I can only repeat what I already said: active work is going on with all the key sector…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Orchestras and Cultural VenuesI thank my noble friend for his contribution as part of the task force. We are acutely aware that, as government support unwinds, the situation becomes much more difficult for…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Orchestras and Cultural VenuesOur understanding is that, as I am sure the right reverend Prelate is aware, there is a risk of increased transmission involved in singing and the use of wind instruments. That is…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Orchestras and Cultural VenuesWe absolutely recognise the nature and important role of freelancers in these sectors. They are in the region of 72% of the workforce, compared with 16% across the rest of the…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Orchestras and Cultural VenuesThe noble Baroness is absolutely right about the ecosystem. The department has heard that loud and clear and understands it well. On detailed guidance as regards timings, I can…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Orchestras and Cultural VenuesMy Lords, we recognise how severely the cultural sector has been hit by Covid-19. That is why we are providing unprecedented assistance, including government loans and the job…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Orchestras and Cultural VenuesThe noble Lord is absolutely right to highlight the importance and variety of our cultural heritage. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State has been absolutely clear…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Orchestras and Cultural VenuesThe Government understand the hybrid nature of the way the arts sector is funded in this country and are keen to encourage funding from many different directions. The noble Lord…01 Jul 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Women’s SportI am sure that my noble friend also was pleased to see the appointment of Clare Connor as the first female president of the MCC. There is a great commitment to getting cricket…30 Jun 2020