§ David HamiltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 22 May 2002,Official Report, column 518W, on the television licence fee, which organisations and people will be part of the review process of future funding arrangements; how the Government will ensure that public service broadcasting is protected under the Royal Charter Review Process; and if she will exempt those aged 65 years and over from paying the licence fee. [60800]
§ Dr. HowellsAs the BBC's charter is due to expire in 2006, we expect the charter review process to begin in 2004. It is too soon to consider how we will conduct the review, but we will want the process to provide an opportunity to consider the BBC's relationship with Government, its role within the overall broadcasting1304W ecology and the arrangements for funding the Corporation. We will, of course, seek to consult as widely as possible during the course of the review. There are no plans to exempt people aged 65 years and over from paying the licence fee.