I am a firm supporter of a strong, independent BBC. The BBC is a world-standard broadcaster of international renown and enjoys a high level of domestic satisfaction, which we should remember. We like the Beeb. I want to see the BBC grow, prosper and diversify. In 2004, the BBC gave...

I am a firm supporter of a strong, independent BBC. The BBC is a world-standard broadcaster of international renown and enjoys a high level of domestic satisfaction, which we should remember. We like the Beeb. I want to see the BBC grow, prosper and diversify. In 2004, the BBC gave...

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, but I have very little time. We still do not know the total cost of the assistance package, but it will represent an extra amount on top of the licence fee. It will not be just a stealth tax, but rather...

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, but I have very little time. We still do not know the total cost of the assistance package, but it will represent an extra amount on top of the licence fee. It will not be just a stealth tax, but rather...

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

I by thank my colleagues on the Opposition Front Bench for giving us this opportunity to debate the future of the BBC. Despite the Minister’s claims about the number of debates that have been held and the scrutiny that has occurred, this is the House’s first opportunity to debate it...

I by thank my colleagues on the Opposition Front Bench for giving us this opportunity to debate the future of the BBC. Despite the Minister’s claims about the number of debates that have been held and the scrutiny that has occurred, this is the House’s first opportunity to debate it...

I think the House will agree that under its new chairman, Michael Grade, and its new director-general, Mark Thompson, the BBC has made a fresh and encouraging start, and that the work they have done since their appointments is commendable. One thing that the BBC has done is make a...

I think the House will agree that under its new chairman, Michael Grade, and its new director-general, Mark Thompson, the BBC has made a fresh and encouraging start, and that the work they have done since their appointments is commendable. One thing that the BBC has done is make a...

That is absolutely true. A number of other issues have not yet been taken into account, which is why it is so important for us to debate them. However, because I do not believe that any Member of Parliament—and that includes me—is capable of doing full justice to all the...

That is absolutely true. A number of other issues have not yet been taken into account, which is why it is so important for us to debate them. However, because I do not believe that any Member of Parliament—and that includes me—is capable of doing full justice to all the...

The hon. Gentleman is presenting a number of very good arguments. He said that the BBC’s bid of RPI plus 2.3 contained elements that were unjustified. The assistance package is not included in that figure; once it is included, the bid becomes even larger.

The hon. Gentleman is presenting a number of very good arguments. He said that the BBC’s bid of RPI plus 2.3 contained elements that were unjustified. The assistance package is not included in that figure; once it is included, the bid becomes even larger.

If the hon. Gentleman will excuse me, I have very little time. On the second service aspect, Labour Members referred to the pilot local TV service that has been introduced in the west midlands, covering six counties, including Shropshire. For hon. Members who are not familiar with it, the service...

If the hon. Gentleman will excuse me, I have very little time. On the second service aspect, Labour Members referred to the pilot local TV service that has been introduced in the west midlands, covering six counties, including Shropshire. For hon. Members who are not familiar with it, the service...

It will take me about one minute to express my thoughts. I am glad that we are having this debate, although I am curious where the Secretary of State is today, because we have still not had a response from the Government on that front. We are all products of...

It will take me about one minute to express my thoughts. I am glad that we are having this debate, although I am curious where the Secretary of State is today, because we have still not had a response from the Government on that front. We are all products of...

My hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Ellwood) has summed up our proceedings this afternoon by pointing out that the debate has raised more questions than answers. Judging by the list of speakers, the debate has been popular, and it is regrettable that they had so little time...

My hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Ellwood) has summed up our proceedings this afternoon by pointing out that the debate has raised more questions than answers. Judging by the list of speakers, the debate has been popular, and it is regrettable that they had so little time...

No, I will not give way. It is normal courtesy for the Minister who is leading on an Opposition day to say why the Secretary of State is not present. The Minister has said that the BBC will get the settlement that it needs to deliver public service broadcasting, a...

No, I will not give way. It is normal courtesy for the Minister who is leading on an Opposition day to say why the Secretary of State is not present. The Minister has said that the BBC will get the settlement that it needs to deliver public service broadcasting, a...

The debate has been stimulating and pre-empts the debate that we scheduled for next month. Some constructive—but also not so constructive—contributions were made on a range of issues. During the charter review, we found a great appetite for discussing the BBC among the range of stakeholders and the public. It...

The debate has been stimulating and pre-empts the debate that we scheduled for next month. Some constructive—but also not so constructive—contributions were made on a range of issues. During the charter review, we found a great appetite for discussing the BBC among the range of stakeholders and the public. It...

Will the Minister give way?

Will the Minister give way?

I will not give way, given the short amount of time that I have available. The hon. Member for Bath agreed that—

I will not give way, given the short amount of time that I have available. The hon. Member for Bath agreed that—

I said that I would not give way—

I said that I would not give way—

There is recognition at last by some of the people and players in the BBC. The former national governor for Scotland said that there was ““some way to go”” in the BBC"““to properly reflect the devolved nature of Scotland in national programming.””" Michael Grade at last recognises that there is"““an...

There is recognition at last by some of the people and players in the BBC. The former national governor for Scotland said that there was ““some way to go”” in the BBC"““to properly reflect the devolved nature of Scotland in national programming.””" Michael Grade at last recognises that there is"““an...

Yes, of course. Those viewing figures are reflected across the spectrum, whether it is ““Reporting Scotland”” or the ITN version. People are turning on and tuning in to see Scottish news coverage because they believe that it is important that their national life is seen on the television. It is...

Yes, of course. Those viewing figures are reflected across the spectrum, whether it is ““Reporting Scotland”” or the ITN version. People are turning on and tuning in to see Scottish news coverage because they believe that it is important that their national life is seen on the television. It is...

No.

No.

I certainly agree with the hon. Gentleman, although I would add that the BBC is now drawing on a pool of talented people who gained their experience in the private sector. There is cross-fertilisation—and the BBC’s role in education is precisely what I want to talk about. Earlier in the...

I certainly agree with the hon. Gentleman, although I would add that the BBC is now drawing on a pool of talented people who gained their experience in the private sector. There is cross-fertilisation—and the BBC’s role in education is precisely what I want to talk about. Earlier in the...

The hon. Gentleman is generous in giving way. I accept his point, but he characterised me wrongly. I accept that the BBC can crowd out new industries. Indeed, as a Minister in the Department of Education I fought unsuccessfully to try to prevent it from doing just that in one...

The hon. Gentleman is generous in giving way. I accept his point, but he characterised me wrongly. I accept that the BBC can crowd out new industries. Indeed, as a Minister in the Department of Education I fought unsuccessfully to try to prevent it from doing just that in one...