§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to alter the number of the BBC governors; and what criteria he will use for the appointment of governors in the future. [1457]
§ Mr. FisherWe have no current plans to alter the number of BBC Governors. Governors are appointed by Her Majesty The Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. In giving advice on possible candidates, my right hon. Friend will seek to ensure that the body of Governors represents the interests of the population as a whole and that it has the authority and skills needed for its major public service role. He will also apply the principles established by the Nolan Committee as set out in guidance issued by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals he has to make the governors of the BBC more accountable to the public. [1456]
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§ Mr. FisherAs a public corporation, the BBC must be accountable to its audiences, to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, the custodian of its Charter and Agreement, and to Parliament. My right hon. Friend will be considering how the accountability of the BBC might be underscored, within the existing framework of the Charter and Agreement, in preparing his response to the National Heritage Select Committee's report, "The BBC and the Future of Broadcasting".