§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the means by which the British Broadcasting Corporation is accountable to Parliament. [48371]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer Wednesday 10 April 2002]: The BBC's accountability to Parliament is reflected primarily through the Royal Charter and Agreement. The Royal Charter is debated by Parliament before it comes into force and the Agreement is subject to formal approval by this House. In addition, the BBC's Annual Report and Accounts are laid in Parliament and Members have the opportunity ti ask the BBC Chairman and Governors questions at an open event on the day of publication. The BBC is also subject to inquiry by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, which in recent years has held hearings on the BBC's Annual Report, and the Secretary of State is often required to answer questions in this House concerning the BBC. Under the 1991 transfer of responsibilities agreement between the BBC and the Home Office, when the Corporation assumed responsibility for administering the television licensing system, the BBC is accountable to the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee for the value for money of the collection and enforcement arrangements.
§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if she will list the dates on which(a) she, (b) Ministers, and (c) officials of her Departmen t have met (i) the Director General and (ii) other members of the Executive Committee of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the last 12 months; [48381]
(2) if she will list the dates on which (a) she, (b) Ministers and (c) officials in her Department have met (i) the Chairman, (ii) the Vice Chairman anti (iii) other members of the Board of Governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation. [48331]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer Wednesday 10 April 2002]: I, Ministers and officials have met members of the Board of Governors and the Executive Committee regularly in the course of business both at formal meetings or at other functions.