BBC AND ABUSE OF LOBBY PASSES

Early day motion 688, tabled 21 January 2002 by Michael Fabricant (Conservative). Signed by 4 members.

That this House condemns the abuse of House of Commons Lobby Journalist passes, type 28A, intended for the use of the Parliamentary Press Gallery by reporters and journalists; notes that Pass 28A gives access to Reporters' Premises, The Press Gallery, and the members' Lobby while the House is sitting; notes that their issue is limited in number and is intended for the use by bona fide journalists who may be approached by honourable and Right honourable Members for the briefing of journalists on lobby terms; notes that the British Broadcating Corporation has chosen to allocate some 28A passes to individuals who are not engaged in news gathering, thus depriving additional BBC journalists and reporters from having access to the lobby; and notes that at least one 28A pass has been issued to an individual employed in the Political & Parliamentary Affairs Office of the BBC which is neither a news gathering nor programme making department of the Corporation.

Signatures by party: Labour 2, Conservative 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.