BBC RADIO THREE LIVE CONCERTS

Early day motion 232, tabled 22 November 2006 by Paul Holmes (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 44 members.

That this House deplores the proposal to end the broadcasting of live concerts on Radio Three outside the Prom season; believes that live concerts are an essential part of the BBC's musical remit; is concerned that ending the broadcasting of live music will reduce the choice of classical music available to listeners and could reduce the number of such concerts, especially in the regions; believes that it might also reduce the BBC's commissioning of new music and jeopardise the future of its orchestras and singers; considers that the BBC's role as a training ground for talent will be threatened, undermining one of the justifications for the licence fee; reminds the BBC that its broadcasting policy should not be the plaything of particular controllers; insists that its management undertake a proper consultation with its listeners and the classical music community before any final decisions are taken; maintains that cutting live performances will be a betrayal of the historic role of the BBC; and calls upon the BBC's governors to take this final opportunity before they disappear to make a stand against yet another example of the dumbing down of the BBC's cultural programming.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 23, Labour 15, Conservative 4, Independent 1, UUP 1.