§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the publication of the BBC's statement of promises to viewers and listeners. [2768]
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyI welcome the publication today of the BBC's first statement of promises to viewers and listeners. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House. The BBC is a unique broadcaster and has a unique relationship with its audience. The new charter and agreement came into effect on 1 May this year. They reaffirm the BBC's independence. That independence requires direct accountability to licence fee payers. The statement of promises forms a new link between the BBC and its audience. It sets out the standards of service that all viewers and listeners can expect from the BBC and the standards against which the BBC board of governors will408W carry out its annual assessment and report on the corporation's performance. The statement of promises brings to the BBC the principles of the Prime Minister's citizens charter initiative. A summary version will be available to licence fee payers.