Written question asked by Lord Cunningham of Felling (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 January 1997. It was answered by Baroness Bottomley of Nettlestone (Conservative) on Monday, 13 January 1997 on behalf of the Department of National Heritage.

Dept of National Heritage

Question: If the appointments of (a) the Chairman of the Independent Television Commission, (b) the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Broadcasting Standards Commission and (c) the Chairman of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission were made on the advice of an independent appointment committee.

Answer: Dr. John Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if the appointments of (a) the chairman of the Independent Television Commission, (b) the chairman and deputy chairman of the Broadcasting Standards Commission and (c) the chairman of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission were made on the advice of an independent appointment committee. [10276] Mrs. Bottomley: The appointment of the chairman of the Independent Television Commission was made following an executive search exercise and consideration by an advisory panel with independent membership. The appointments of the chairman and deputy chairman of the Broadcasting Standards Commission pre-dated the introduction of the advisory panels that were set up as a result of Lord Nolan's report. The Broadcasting Complaints Commission will cease to exist as a separate body on 31 March 1997. In order to ensure continuity, only candidates who were already members of the commission were considered for appointment as its chairman when the previous chairman resigned in September. The decision was made without recourse to an advisory panel.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 10276; 288 c2W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Broadcasting Complaints Commission Independent Television Commission Public appointments Broadcasting Standards Commission