Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Gilbert Excerpts
Thursday 9th February 2012

(12 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jeremy Hunt Portrait Mr Hunt
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Without wishing to pre-empt what Lord Justice Leveson says, I think the hon. Gentleman’s idea may have some merit. We will look into it and see whether it is something that we can pursue.

Stephen Gilbert Portrait Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD)
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Can the Secretary of State confirm that the fit and proper person test in relation to media ownership applies equally to companies as to individuals?

Jeremy Hunt Portrait Mr Hunt
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I can. We have looked into that very closely following the phone hacking and BSkyB merger issues, and it is absolutely the case that when Ofcom considers the application of the fit and proper person test, under law it must consider whether a company is a fit and proper organisation to hold a broadcast licence, because licences are held by companies.