CUTS AT THE BBC

Early day motion 83, tabled 17 May 2005 by Austin Mitchell (Labour). Signed by 46 members.

That this House condemns the proposed cuts at the BBC which will lead to 19 per cent. of staff being sacked or outsourced; is concerned that such cuts will result in 80 per cent. of the staff having to produce 100 per cent. of the output; believes such proposals will result in a deterioration of quality; further condemns the fact that hundreds of journalists, news-gatherers, researchers, production staff and programme-makers will be sacked whilst not one single member of TV News management will lose their job; believes such a proposal will deliver less value for licence fee payers and put at risk the BBC's continuing right to the licence fee; and therefore calls on BBC management to reconsider its proposals and negotiate with staff representatives to ensure changes do not damage programmes or quality.

Signatures by party: Labour 34, Scottish National Party 5, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.