§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received from(a) Mr. Rupert Murdoch and (b) News International in respect of the listed sporting events. [37018]
§ Mr. Chris SmithI have received no representations from Mr. Murdoch or News International on this subject. I consulted BSkyB, in which News International has 40% shareholding, along with other broadcasters and many other interested parties, on the criteria to be used in my current review of the list and on the events included on the list.
§ Sir Raymond PowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who appointed the review committee on listed events; and what(a) geographical and (b) other criteria were used in making the appointments. [36822]
§ Mr. Chris SmithI appointed the members of the Advisory Group on Listed Events. My main criterion in making the appointments was knowledge of the sporting, broadcasting and public policy issues involved in the review of the list. The members of the group, however, come from a variety of different backgrounds and from many different regions of the United Kingdom.