§ 27. Mr. FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when his Department expects to make a statement regarding the future funding of the BBC.
§ Mr. BrookeI announced on 21 June at column 27 the appointment of Touche Ross to assess the BBC's progress in achieving efficiency and revenue gains; to advise on the scope for further gains; and to advise whether RPI linkage was appropriate for the licence fee increases due in the next three years. I have received and am considering the Touche Ross report, and I plan to announce the Government's conclusions later this autumn. The longer-term funding of the BBC will be considered as part of the review of the BBC's royal charter.