§ Mr. HammondTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the Government"s policy is on the future relationship of the BBC with Ofcom. [39628]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government"s policy on the BBC and OFCOM is set out in the White Paper "A New Future for Communications". Our aim, within the proposed three tiers of regulation, is to create a more level playing field for the BBC and the commercial public service broadcasters, while recognising the distinctive role of the BBC. At tier one (covering for example standards and subtitling but with impartiality requirements excepted) and tier two (measurable quotas, news in peak time) the BBC will be regulated by OFCOM alongside other public service broadcasters. At tier three, the Governors will continue to regulate the delivery of the BBC"s remit, while the commercial public service broadcasters will be given greater freedom in the delivery of their remits.
§ Mr. Mark FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will set out the past and present party political affiliations of those members of the British Broadcasting Corporation whom the Government are responsible for appointing. [43951]
§ Dr. HowellsMy Department does not collect details of the political affiliation of people appointed to public bodies.