BBC (Hansard, 27 January 2003)

HC Deb 27 January 2003 vol 398 cc528-9W 528W

§ Mr. Challen
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on her policy on the status of the BBC as a public sector, public service broadcaster in relation to the round of GATS negotiations. [91350]

§ Dr. Howells
Services supplied in the exercise of governmental authority are excluded from the scope of the GATS, provided they are supplied neither on a 529W commercial basis nor in competition. The Government will not make commitments that could call into question the role of the BBC as a public service broadcaster.