HL Deb 08 June 1999 vol 601 cc1298-300

2.54 p.m.

Lord Renton of Mount Harry asked Her Majesty's Government:

What qualifications they consider that the new Director-General of the BBC should possess.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

My Lords, the appointment of the Director-General of the BBC is entirely a matter for the corporation's Board of Governors. It would not be appropriate for me to comment.

Lord Renton of Mount Harry

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer. His reply was not totally unexpected. I should point out that my Question is not about people but about qualifications. Does the Minister agree that potentially—and outside the Cabinet—the Director-General is the most influential person in Britain today? Does the Minister further agree that he or she must be politically impartial, creative and committed to the public service trinity of education, information and entertainment, as laid down in the charter, and not just chase audience figures? Finally, does the Minister agree that the Director-General must ensure that the World Service continues to prosper, bearing in mind that that is the face that Britain shows around the world, often to many beleaguered people? Would the Minister endorse or add to that list?

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

My Lords, I am satisfied that the BBC's charter gives adequate guidance to the governors of the BBC on the choices they have to make. Unlike the leader of the noble Lord's party, I have no intention of expressing a political opinion on this matter.

Lord Hussey of North Bradley

My Lords, perhaps I should first declare an interest as a previous Chairman of the Board of Governors of the BBC. Does not the Minister agree that at a moment like this it is critical that the new Director-General inspires and retains the confidence of his staff in the wisdom of his policies, whatever they may be?

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

My Lords, I understand that the job description issued by the BBC to candidates for the post makes exactly that point.

Lord Marsh

My Lords, does the Minister think that the Director-General of the BBC really is more powerful than Mr. Campbell?

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

My Lords, I did not rise to that point when it was made by the noble Lord, Lord Renton, and I shall not rise to it when it is made by the noble Lord, Lord Marsh.

Lord Pearson of Rannoch

My Lords, is the Minister really saying that it is inappropriate for the Government to express a view on the qualifications that the Director-General of the BBC should possess? Can I tempt him by suggesting that he should possess qualities which would enable the BBC to escape from its present concentration on sex, violence and materialism and the hopeless elevation of rights over duties?

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

My Lords, the Government have expressed a view about the qualifications. We have expressed our conviction that the charter of the BBC contains adequate guidance to the BBC's governors to enable them to carry out their responsibilities.