§ Mr. GodsiffTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what discussions he has had with the BBC concerning changes in the financial resources available for the maintenance of the BBC archives; and if he will make a statement; [8120]
(2) if he will make a statement about the BBC's responsibilities under its Charter for the maintenance of its archives; and what arrangements he has for monitoring the BBC's fulfilment of those responsibilities. [8121]
§ Mr. FisherThe obligations placed on the BBC in respect of its archives are set out in its Royal Charter and its Agreement with the Secretary of State. These include broad obligations 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's Information and Archives Department provides a full range of library and information services. Changes in arrangements for the delivery of these services within the BBC will not affect the BBC's archives or public access to them. While we have had no discussions with the BBC on this point, we are confident that it is continuing to maintain its archival responsibilities under the Royal Charter and Agreement.