§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what use he has made of his powers in relation to the appointment of a medical advisory panel to the Independent Broadcasting Authority under section 16(5) of the Broadcasting Act 1981; what criteria he uses in deciding which professional organisations he shall require the Independent Broadcasting Authority to consult on the appointment of a medical advisory panel; what steps he has taken to monitor the results of such consultation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorMy right hon. Friend is informed by the IBA of the bodies consulted on each occasion that a prospective appointment is to be made to the panel. We would wish to be satisfied that these consultations ranged widely across the relevant professional bodies. It is the duty of the authority and not the Government to take into account the views of the bodies consulted. The membership of the medical advisory panel is published in the annual report of the IBA.