§ Sir Geoffrey Johnson SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made of the BBC's efficiency improvements in his review of the royal charter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeLast year, I appointed the independent consultants, Touche Ross, to examine efficiency and economy measures in the BBC, as part of its study on the level of the television licence fee. I welcome its conclusion that the BBC has pursued opportunities to make savings and efficiency improvements in a vigorous and effective manner. The BBC is taking further measures to improve its efficiency. We are taking account of the BBC's continuing efforts to operate more cost-effectively in developing our proposals for the corporation's future.