HC Deb 20 November 2003 vol 413 c1148W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent representations she has received on the renewal of the BBC Charter; and if she will make a statement. [140172]

Tessa Jowell

The review of the BBC's Charter will be wide-ranging, with full industry and public consultation, and will, I hope, be characterised by vigorous and open debate. The process will be extensive and thorough, with several opportunities for people to feed in their views, and there will be an appropriate parliamentary stage.

It will begin before the end of the year when I issue a consultation document outlining the main issues for consideration.

My Department has already received numerous representations about a wide range of issues relating to the BBC. Those views will, along with information from a variety of other sources, including formal public consultation, be used to inform the Government's thinking on Charter review.