HC Deb 12 January 1999 vol 323 cc131-2W
Ms Ryan

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will announce the membership of the panel looking at the future funding of the BBC; and if he will make a statement. [65562]

Mr. Chris Smith

The panel will be chaired by Gavyn Davies and comprises the right hon. Lord Newton of Braintree, Lord Gordon of Strathblane, Sir Alan Budd, Rabbi Julia Neuberger, Helen Black, Ruth Evans, David Lipsey and Heather Rabbatts.

This is an important review which aims to ensure the BBC's continuing ability to meet its public service obligations effectively, while, at the same time, ensuring that it retains the ability to operate effectively in a competitive marketplace.

I am pleased that Gavyn Davies has accepted my invitation to chair the panel. The panel members have the knowledge, authority and judgment to weigh the issues, and I am confident that they will do so impartially, without preconceptions and with the national interest in mind.

The panel will be announcing shortly how it intends to take the review forward, including the taking of evidence.

The panel will report to me by the end of July and I will then consult on its findings.

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