§ Lord Strabolgiasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether a note of guidance on sponsorship and BBC television and radio has been prepared by the 660WA corporation for BBC programme staff; and, if so, whether a copy could be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Lord EltonThe BBC is precluded by the licence and agreement granted to it by my right honourable friend from broadcasting sponsored programmes; that is, programmes put on at the expense of a sponsor for the purpose of advertising. I am informed that the corporation has issued guidelines to its staff covering issues related to the broadcasting of sporting and other events which themselves involve sponsorship, and is in the process of revising them. Arrangements will be made for a copy of the existing guidelines to be placed in the Library of the House.