HC Deb 21 March 2002 vol 382 c508W
Mr. Pope

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the terms of reference will be for the review of BBC News 24. [45863]

Tessa Jowell

The independent review of News 24 which I have asked Richard Lambert, formerly editor of theFinancial Times, to conduct will have the following terms of reference:

The independent reviewer shall: consider whether, in delivering its News 24 service, the BBC is acting in accordance with the facts and assurances upon which approval to proceed with the service was given; have regard, in reaching any conclusions, to:

  1. (a) the BBC's own report on the performance of News 24 and to any subsequent evidence provided by the Corporation; and
  2. (b) views submitted by any other interested parties in response to the BBC's report;
submit a report to the Secretary of State, in publishable form, by the end of June 2002, setting out his conclusions and, if appropriate, making any recommendations he believes necessary to ensure that News 24 is operated in line with the original approval.

I am today placing on my Department's website, www.culture.gov.uk, the BBC's own report on the operation of News 24: this sets out the basis on which the service was approved. I am arranging for copies to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Richard Lambert is writing to a range of organisations who may wish to comment to him. I would encourage all those with an interest to contribute their views.