§ Mr. FlightTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received on introducing additional licence fees for churches that stage plays and concerts; and if she will make a statement. [85149]
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received concerning the proposed enforcement of local authority licensing on church venues and the payment of fees for musical performances in churches; and if she will make a statement. [84504]
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§ Dr. HowellsIn total, this Department has received eleven representations in connection with the proposal in the Licensing Bill to extend the licensing requirement beyond Greater London, where it currently applies. Among these representations, only one was from an organisation, which has since met with my officials to discuss their concerns.
Earlier, following the publication of the White Paper on licensing reform in April 2000, we received eight responses from religious organisations; none of these letters took issue with the proposal to create a level playing field for the licensing of churches and other places of religious worship.
The Government are aware of the concerns that some people have about the licensing of churches. We have had discussions about this issue with the Church of England and, along with other faith groups, will seek to ensure that the new licensing system does not impose an unnecessary burden on them while still providing the necessary safeguards for the public.