Written question asked by Harry Greenway (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 May 1996. It was answered by Iain Sproat (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 May 1996 on behalf of the Department of National Heritage.

Dept of National Heritage

Question: What plans she has to amend the Broadcasting Act 1990 to set a time limit within which the Broadcasting Complaints Commission is required to answer complaints.

Answer: Mr. Harry Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to amend the Broadcasting Act 1990 to set a time limit within which the Broadcasting Complaints Commission is required to answer complaints; and if she will make a statement. [27937] Mr. Sproat: The Government have no plans to amend the Broadcasting Act in this way. Although the commission strives to process complaints speedily, some cases, whether they concern allegations of unfairness or infringement of privacy or both, may deal with particularly complex issues and involve delays beyond the commission's control, and it is right that the commission should consider carefully all elements of such cases before making its adjudication.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 27937; 277 c170W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Complaints Broadcasting Administrative delays Broadcasting Complaints Commission