HC Deb 15 March 1995 vol 256 cc566-7W
Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is the current proportion of BBC network television production which emanates from the regions and national regions; and what target figure he has set or accepted.

Mr. Dorrell

Statistics on programme production should he sought direct from the BBC. I expect the BBC to include in its statement of promises to audiences quantifiable targets for increasing the proportion of network programmes made outside London and south-east England.

Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he expects to appoint a replacement for Sir David Scholey as a governor of the BBC; and what criteria he intends to apply to this appointment.

Mr. Dorrell

BBC governors are appointed by Her Majesty the Queen on the advice of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. I hope that the vacancy created by Sir David Scholey's resignation will be filled without delay. In seeking a successor, regard will he had to the range of qualities and experience which the board of governors as a whole needs to possess in order to carry out its responsibilities.

Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if it remains the policy of his Department that the agreement document between the BBC and Government will contain an undertaking on regional network production.

Mr. Dorrell

Yes.