BBC AND LONELY PLANET

Early day motion 253, tabled 11 December 2008 by Lord Goodman of Wycombe (Conservative). Signed by 8 members.

That this House notes with concern the planned launch by the BBC of a Lonely Planet-branded magazine; believes that the launch of such a magazine would not fit within the requirement that the BBC may only engage in commercial activities that are in support of its public purposes; further believes that the launch of such a magazine would distort the travel magazine market, and give the BBC an unfair advantage over other magazine publishers in a relatively small sector; and urges the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to make clear whether or not he believes the launch of this product by the BBC would be compatible with the terms of its Charter.

Signatures by party: Conservative 4, Labour 3, Liberal Democrat 1.