§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to assess the operation of the Press Complaints Commission. [17202]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government support an effective system of self-regulation for the newspaper industry, with a Code of Practice overseen by the Press Complaints Commission (PCC). We recognise that, as with any regulatory system, there is always room for improvement. My Department, therefore, continues to monitor the effectiveness of the industry's self-regulatory system, both in terms of the provisions contained in the Code of402W Practice and the PCC's operations, and my ministerial colleagues and I have no hesitation in suggesting improvements to the industry, as and when appropriate.