asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they last sought advice from Ofcom on what constitutes an acceptable level of vulgarity in public broadcasting. [HL6018]

In relation to broadcasting, Parliament has charged Ofcom with maintaining standards, notably to protect children and to protect the general public from harmful and offensive material. Decisions on broadcast programme standards are a matter for Ofcom to determine according to the provisions of the Broadcasting and Communications Acts. It is a long-standing principle that the Government do not interfere in programme matters, either on arrangements for scheduling or on content.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ask Ofcom to publish its guidance on good taste and decency which applies to public broadcasting. [HL6019]

Both the Ofcom broadcasting code and associated guidance are available on the Ofcom website at www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/codes/bcode/ bcode.pdf and www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/guidance/ bguidance/guidance2.pdf.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have been informed by Ofcom if standards applied to determine whether broadcasts are offensive are related to the belief systems of those offended. [HL6020]

No. Ofcom is independent of the Government and responsible for safeguarding the public interest in broadcasting. Decisions on broadcast programme standards are a matter for Ofcom to determine according to the provisions of the Broadcasting and Communications Acts.