§ Lord Houghton of Sowerbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the composition of the Broadcasting Standards Council; what remuneration is payable to members and in respect of what terms of service; what staff is employed and at what cost; what other expenses of the council are provided for; and what contribution will be made by the broadcasting authorities towards the cost of services rendered.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)The information requested is set out below:
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Broadcasting Standards Council Membership and Position Salary (per annum) (with effect from 1 April 1991) £
Chairman Lord Rees-Mogg of Hinton Blewitt 1 36,250 Deputy Chairman Miss Jocelyn Barrow OBE 1 27,375 Member Richard Baker Esq. OBE 2 10,900 Member Dr. R. Brinley Jones 2 10,900 Member Dr. Jean Curtis-Raleigh 2 10,900 Member Alf Dubs Esq. 2 10,900 Member The Reverend Charles Robertson 2 10,900 Member The Right Reverend John Westwood, Bishop of Peterborough 2 10,900 1 On the basis of 3 days per week. 2 On the basis of 2 days per week. The average number of employees for the financial year 1990–91 was 14. There are currently 15 staff in post. Expenditure on staff salaries and wages for the financial year to 31st March 1991 amounted to £339,081.
The council's other operating costs for the financial year to 31st March 1991 amounted to £743,995. A more detailed breakdown of these costs is given on page 54 of the Broadcasting Standards Council's annual report and accounts for 1990–1991, a copy of which is in the Library.
The council is financed by grant-in-aid from the Home Office. The legal authority for such provision derives from Schedule 14 to the Broadcasting Act 1990. The broadcasting authorities do not contribute towards the operating costs of the council.