SCOTTISH SIX AND THE PRIME MINISTER

Early day motion 1850, tabled 5 November 2002 by Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party). Signed by 5 members.

That this House notes with astonishment the remarks of the former Director-General of the BBC, Mr John Birt, in the Sunday Herald on 20th October that he conspired with the Prime Minister in 1998 in order to stop the development of a 'Scottish Six' main evening BBC television news bulletin, produced and edited in Scotland rather than London; further notes that he did so because he feared that it would lead to the collapse of the Union and that according to Mr Birt the Prime Minister was quick, as ever, to grasp the case, 'let's fight', he said; further notes Mr Birt's words that a plan of action was agreed to stop the 'Scottish Six' involving senior BBC personnel, the honourable Member for Hartlepool, and the Right honourable Member for Dunfermline East; believes that such a conspiracy fatally undermines the BBC status as an independent corporation, as set out in the Corporation's Royal Charter; welcomes the assurance of the BBC's current Director-General, Mr Greg Dyke, that the issues of a 'Scottish Six' in the forthcoming BBC review of news and current affairs output in Scotland, will be considered on their editorial not their political merits; and believes that the conclusive broadcasting arguments in favour of a 'Scottish Six' are reflected in the fact that it is supported by the Broadcasting Council for Scotland, BBC Scotland management and journalists, and 69 per cent. of the Scottish people.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 5.