Written question asked by Bernard Jenkin (Conservative) on Thursday, 10 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 March 2005. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 March 2005 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans the Government has to create regional broadcasting councils for the BBC; whether they are to be based on the Government Offices for the Regions regional structure; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans the Government have to create regional broadcasting councils for the BBC; whether they are to be based on the Government Offices for the Regions regional structure; and if she will make a statement. [221762] Estelle Morris: Under the terms of its Royal Charter the BBC currently has a Regional Advisory Council for each of its 11 English regions. These regions do not coincide with the Government's regional office structure. The Government's Charter Review Green Paper discusses possible ways of improving the BBC's responsiveness to licence fee payers, including building on the Corporation's existing regional and national Councils.

Secondary information