§ Mr. Dennis TurnerTo ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if the Committee has considered any requests to make a documentary series about the House; and if she will make a statement. [35606]
§ Mrs. RoeSince November the Committee has been considering two proposals, one from the BBC and one from Channel 4, to make a documentary series about the work of the House. I wish to advise the hon. Gentleman that the Committee has agreed that such a series might be useful in helping to give a clearer idea of Parliamentary practice and procedure, explain the legislative process and to give an insight into the work of hon. Members.
Of the two options, the Committee considered that the Channel 4 proposal was the more appropriate, as the way the series would be structured offered less disruption to the work of the House.
The House authorities are therefore beginning detailed negotiations with Channel 4 and Partners in Production, who will make the series. Subject to a successful outcome to these negotiations, it is envisaged that filming will commence at the time of the Queen's Speech this year, and continue throughout 1999.