SCOTTISH SIX

Early day motion 331, tabled 18 December 2003 by Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party). Signed by 5 members.

That this House deplores the BBC decision not to proceed with a Scottish Six main evening news bulletin in Scotland, which shows that the BBC has bowed to undue pressure from the Government; recalls that former BBC director-general, John Birt, boasted in his memoirs that he held discussions with Tony Blair on stopping the Scottish Six back in 1998, for political reasons; notes that Scottish Labour honourable Members have been engaged in a concerted campaign against the Scottish Six during the latest review of the issue; believes that the Scottish Six offers the only format which enables viewers in Scotland to receive a proper blend of Scottish, UK and international stories on television, in exactly the same way as already happens on BBC Radio Scotland; further notes that the Scottish Six was backed by 70 per cent. of Scots during the last review, and was supported by the Broadcasting Council for Scotland and the BBC Scotland management and journalists; and believes that this issue will inevitably come back again, because the Scottish Six reflects the reality of modern Scotland and the process of self-government.

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