To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of her Department’s code of practice on ticket touting in reducing that practice. (138841)

The Department has held four summits with the primary and secondary ticket markets and agreed a Statement of Collective Agreement. We continue to engage with stakeholders, both to benefit and protect the public. We will continue the dialogue with industry to tackle ticket touting.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what guidance her Department has issued to internet auction sites on ticket touting; and if she will make a statement. (138842)

None. At a meeting with key stakeholders in April 2006, a Statement of Principles was presented and agreed, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. Ministers continue discussions with all stakeholders including principal online auction sites, to find solutions to ticket touting concerns.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions she has had with representatives of (a) music concerts, (b) music festivals, (c) sporting events and (d) theatres on ticket touting; when such discussions took place; and if she will make a statement. (138843)

Ministers met representatives from the music industry at the fourth summit meeting on ticket touting on 8 February 2007 and met with the five major professional sports governing bodies on 16 May 2007. DCMS officials met the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers, who represent ticket agents, theatre and others, on 17 May 2007 and with senior representatives from the UK major events industry on 23 May 2007. Discussions continue with key interested parties on finding solutions to tackle further ticket touting.