THE PRIME MINISTER AND APPOINTMENT OF NEW BBC CHAIRMAN

Early day motion 515, tabled 30 January 2004 by Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party). Signed by 7 members.

That this House believes that the Government pursued a systematic campaign to influence and intimidate BBC editors and journalists over their reporting of the war in Iraq; expresses its concern at the effective sacking of Mr Greg Dyke as BBC Director General; further believes that the need to maintain the cherished independence and integrity of the BBC is not compatible with the Prime Minister's powers of patronage in appointing the BBC Chairman and Board of Governors; and calls for the decision on choosing the New Chairman of the Board of Governors to be removed from the office of the Prime Minister.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 4, Plaid Cymru 2, Liberal Democrat 1.