HC Deb 19 May 1988 vol 133 cc542-3W
33. Mr. Patchett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has yet decided on the terms of reference for the new Broadcasting Standards Council.

41. Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposed terms of reference for the new Broadcasting Standards Council.

Mr. Renton

I would refer the hon. Members to my right hon. Friend's statement to the House on 16 May, at columns 685–86.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what will be the salary of Sir William Rees-Mogg as the chairman designate of the Broadcasting Standards Council; and what hours he will be expected to work.

Mr. Renton

Sir William's salary as chairman will be £30,000 a year on the basis of a three-day week, but a current review of this and other broadcasting appointments may lead to an increase.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members are likely to be appointed to the Broadcasting Standards Council; what will be the period of appointment; and when the next appointment announcements will be made.

Mr. Renton

My right hon. Friend will announce the names and periods of appointment of the members of the Broadcasting Standards Council as soon as possible.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what qualities will be taken into consideration when making appointments to the proposed Broadcasting Standards Council; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Renton

We shall be seeking candidates whose personal qualities and experience will enable them to contribute to the successful establishment and operation of the council.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the anticipated annual cost in the first five years of the Broadcasting Standards Council.

Mr. Renton

We envisage that the Broadcasting Standards Council may require a budget of around £1 million a year, but this financial provision will be reviewed in the light of experience as the work of the council develops.

Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe of 16 May,Official Report, column 688, what steps he has taken, or will be taking, to ensure that the proposed Broadcasting Standards Council will not conflict with the existing role of the British Broadcasting Corporation's governors and that of the members of the Independent Broadcasting Authority; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Renton

The role of the governors of the BBC, as defined in the corporation's royal charter, licence and agreement, and the role of the members of the IBA, as defined in the Broadcasting Act 1981, are quite distinct from the functions of the Broadcasting Standards Council as announced on 16 May. The broadcasting authorities will continue to have responsibility for programme standards and will be expected to exercise judgment in these matters.