§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what guidelines she issues to BBC Governors on their appointment relating to(a) party political work and (b) commenting on the policies of political parties other than those policies directly affecting the work of the BBC. [154222]
§ Tessa JowellThe guidelines issued by me as Secretary of State to BBC Governors on appointment, in relation to these matters, are contained in the Cabinet Office Code of Best Practice for Board Members of Public Bodies. The BBC requires Governors, as detailed in the Board of Governors Standing Orders, to declare any activity that might affect their ability to perform their duties as Governors