HC Deb 24 May 1995 vol 260 cc650-1W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to his answer of 16 May,Official Report, columns 148–50, to the right hon. Member for Watford (Mr. Garel-Jones) if he will state the basis for the Beastall report's conclusions that all five intermediary companies used were genuinely trading; what checks were made with Companies House and each company's auditors with respect to annual reports and accounts pertinent to that issue; and if he will make a statement. [25698]

Mr. Dorrell

[holding answer 22 May 1995]Mr. Beastall's concern was to check that the companies involved had not been created merely as vehicles for sponsorship payments. His conclusion that they were genuinely trading was based on evidence from S4C, the proprietors of the companies and, in some cases, ABSA that they were engaged in film, video or programme production or related activities at the time that the sponsorship payments were made.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to his answer of 16 May to the right hon. Member for Watford (Mr. Garel-Jones),Official Report, columns 148–50, what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority concerning the date on which the disciplinary action was taken against the member of S4C in relation to the Pengwyn Pine issue; and what form the disciplinary action took. [25267]

Mr. Dorrell

[holding answer 22 May 1995]I have had no discussions with the chairman of the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority on this topic. The timing and form of any disciplinary action is a matter for S4C.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to his answer of 16 May to the right hon. Member for Watford (Mr. Garel-Jones),Official Report, columns 148–50, what proposals he has for submitting a report to the Comptroller and Auditor-General; and if he will make a statement on the accountability of the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority to the Committee of Public Accounts. [25266]

Mr. Dorrell

[holding answer 22 May 1995]A copy of the report by Mr. John Beastall has been sent to the Comptroller and Auditor General. The chief executive of S4C is designated as the accounting officer for payments made to S4C under the Broadcasting Act 1990. He may be called upon to appear before the Committee of Public Accounts.