§ Mr. GodsiffTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received on the management by the BBC of its archive collection; and if he will make a statement. [19143]
§ Mr. FisherMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received representations from the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) and from three members of the public, and as a result made inquiries of the BBC. The management and organisation of the BBC's Information and Archives Department are matters for the Corporation itself, but it is obliged under the Royal Charter and Agreement to establish and maintain archives containing material relevant to the objects of the Corporation, and to make the archives available to the public with or without charge. The BBC has assured the Department that it is continuing to meet its archival responsibilities under the Charter and Agreement.