§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage by what mechanism she ensures that the BBC meets the requirements of its charter with particular reference to political impartiality; and if she will make a statement. [16957]
§ Mr. SproatUnder the terms of the new charter and agreement, it is for the BBC board of governors to ensure that the corporation is meeting its obligations to the public. Under the agreement, the BBC is required to treat controversial subjects with due accuracy and impartiality, both in the corporation's news services and in the more general field of programmes dealing with matters of public policy or of political or industrial 33W controversy. Central to this obligation is the duty on the corporation to draw up a new code of guidance on how it is to meet its obligations of due accuracy and impartiality. The governors have a specific duty to ensure compliance with this code by all BBC employees and programme makers. The code was published on 13 November 1996 as part of the corporation's revised "Producers' Guidelines", copies of which are available in the Library of the House.