Oral Answers to Questions

Christopher Chope Excerpts

Thursday 9th July 2015 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport was asked—

[Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con)]

1. What estimate he has made of the value of the public stake in Channel 4.

[The Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy (Mr Edward Vaizey)]

This Government have not made any estimate of the value of the public stake in Channel 4.

[Mr Chope]

In that case, is it not about time they did? Channel 4 has a turnover of about £1 billion a year, and assets of roughly half a billion. Surely the taxpayer stake in it could be sold and would help the Chancellor with his agenda.

[Mr Vaizey]

I am told that my hon. Friend has withdrawn his annual private Member’s Bill to abolish the BBC licence fee. Perhaps his attention has now turned to Channel 4. I note what he says.

--- Later in debate ---

[Dr Coffey]

Opinion polls are a gauging of opinion. One opinion poll happened on 7 May—it was called the general election. Our proposals were in the manifesto, and they were voted for.

[Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con)]

The proposals in the manifesto covered public Bills. Why do the Government’s current proposals not cover private Members’ Bills, which are of course public Bills?

[Dr Coffey]

The Government have taken a modest step in addressing what is covered. If my hon. Friend wants to make further representations to the review, I am sure that the Procedure Committee and the Government will listen to his proposals.