HC Deb 16 January 1986 vol 89 c626W
Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has as to the amount of money which might be expected to be raised by allowing advertising on BBC television.

Mr. Giles Shaw

A number of recent published studies, including two commissioned by the committee on financing the BBC, have offered various estimates of the potential revenue which might be derived from introducing advertising on BBC television. My right hon. Friend, of course, awaits the committee's own assessment of this evidence and of the financial and other implications of financing the BBC partly or wholly out of advertising revenue or from other sources.

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take to protect the editorial independence of the BBC; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I am not aware that any steps are necessary.

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions the Minister has had with the governors of the BBC and the IBA over the introduction of advertising on BBC.

Mr. Giles Shaw

My right hon. Friend's discussion with the chairman of the BBC's board of governors arid of the IBA about various broadcasting issues have not included any substantive consideration of the questions now being studied by the committee on financing the BBC, whose report it is well understood he awaits with an open mind.

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the BBC will continue to be allowed to retain any revenues derived from any source other than the licence fee.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The BBC's charter provides for the corporation to receive and use revenue derived from sources other than the television licence fee, and includes no provision for such revenue to be surrendered.