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BBC White Paper

I should first declare an interest, having worked for the BBC. As an independent producer, I both benefited from BBC commissions and suffered because of the way in which they were managed. I congratulate my right hon. Friend on a far-reaching and important statement, but I should be grateful for her reassurance that the new commissioning system will not damage the BBC’s ability to retain a significant production base. That base has always been the key training house for the British television industry; indeed, it has been responsible for much that is excellent in that industry. I am particularly concerned about analytical current affairs, which there is a dire need for, as the recent Power report showed.