Leveson Inquiry

Debate between Jeremy Hunt and Ian Murray

Wednesday 25th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

I have written to Lord Leveson to say that I would like to give my evidence as soon as possible. At present it is scheduled to be towards the end of May, but it is a matter for Lord Leveson and I will respect everything he says.

[Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab)]

According to the e-mail trail that was released yesterday, a day after Alex Salmond asked for help to smooth the way for The Sun to support the Scottish National party, News Corporation knew about a phone call scheduled between Alex Salmond and the Culture Secretary to lobby on behalf of the BSkyB bid. Who set up that call and how did News Corporation know about it?

[Mr Hunt]

I do not know the answer to that question, but I will happily try to find out for the hon. Gentleman.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeremy Hunt and Ian Murray

Monday 26th July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

My hon. Friend is right to talk about the importance of superfast broadband and not just low-speed broadband for somewhere such as the Isle of Wight. We have said that we are committed to having the fastest superfast broadband network in Europe by the end of this Parliament, and we are doing everything possible both to stimulate private sector investment in our broadband network and to have a coherent strategy for dealing with rural and remote areas such as the Isle of Wight. We are happy to work closely with him to ensure that the Isle of Wight is part of that success story.

[Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab)]

17. What recent discussions he has had with the BBC on the level of the television licence fee.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (Mr Jeremy Hunt)]

I do apologise, Mr Speaker.

I have had no discussions with the BBC about the level of the licence fee.

[Ian Murray]

The Secretary of State will be aware that there is an ongoing programme of savings totalling £1.9 billion in the current licence fee period. What impact will that have on the Government’s decision with regard to the level of the licence fee?

[Mr Hunt]

I am delighted that the BBC has started to talk about making savings, but it needs to go further. The BBC needs to understand that the world in which licence fee payers are living is one of severe and constrained finances. Licence fee payers would like that to be reflected in the BBC’s approach to matters such as executive pay and remuneration, executive pensions, and a whole range of other areas. We want a strong BBC, but a strong BBC is one that is in touch with the feelings and the mood of the people who pay for it, and they are the licence fee payers.