BBC (Hansard, 20 November 2002)

§ Mr. Whittingdale
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the proportion of the BBC's programming that is public service broadcasting. [80431]

§ Dr. Howells
It is the responsibility of the BBC governors to ensure that the Corporation's public service remit, as set out in the charter and agreement, is delivered across the full range of BBC public services.

§ Mr. Whittingdale
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether it is her policy that the licence fee should remain the main source of finance of the BBC. [80435]

§ Dr. Howells
The Government's policy is that the television licence fee will remain the main source of BBC funding at least until the expiry of the BBC's current Royal Charter at the end of 2006. Future funding arrangements will need to be considered as part of the Charter review process, which will commence in 2004.

§ Mr. Whittingdale
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when she intends to publish the review of BBC News 24 conducted by Mr. Richard Lambert; and if she will make a statement. [81660]

§ Dr. Howells
[holding answer Tuesday 19 November 2002]I am currently considering my response to Mr. Lambert's review of BBC News 24 and will publish the review as soon as possible.