§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what date she received the revised proposals from the BBC for BBC3; by what process she will determine her decision on the new proposals; and on what date she will announce her decision on the new proposals. [22362]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 11 December 2001]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State received a new proposal from the BBC for BBC3 on 4 December. My 37W right hon. Friend will consider the proposal against my published guidelines for assessing BBC public services approvals. In accordance with these guidelines, my right hon. Friend has invited comments on the proposals from interested parties. The consultation period will end on 25 January 2002. Having given proper consideration to all the information and responses received, my right hon. Friend will announce my decision as soon as possible thereafter.