To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the role and functions of the broadcasting unit in his Department; what steps are taken to ensure that its activities are non-party political; and what powers it has to prevent or encourage broadcasting in specific cases.

Officials of the broadcasting department of the Home Office provide information and advice to Ministers on broadcasting policy. They are subject to the normal civil service rules concerning party political activities; and have no powers to prevent or encourage broadcasting in specific cases.