Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party). It was answered on Thursday, 4 May 2006 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Artists and Entertainers (Fees)

Question: :In any discussions that the Minister has with the BBC, will he raise the issue of regional drama programmes made by BBC Northern Ireland? Many of them are going outside Northern Ireland, and even outside the United Kingdom, to give work to actors in other nations, even at the further reaches of the EU. Will the Minister ensure that pressure is brought to bear on the BBC to ensure that drama that represents part of the United Kingdom is based and shot in the United Kingdom?

Answer: I do not think that that is my responsibility, but I will be happy to work with the agencies involved—and to speak to the hon. Gentleman outside Question Time—to look into the details of the issue. I shall also refer the matter to my colleagues in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Secondary information