Downing Street Says » Culture Secretary

» Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Culture Secretary

Asked what the PM thought of the DPM’s lack of backing in the debate over the Culture Secretary’s handling of the BSkyB bid, the PMS said that the PM had made his position on Jeremy Hunt clear. The PM will no doubt be asked about it in PMQs.

Asked whether the PM shared some Conservative MPs’ anger at the lack of Liberal Democrat support, the PMS said that it was a coalition government and sometimes they choose to vote differently.

Asked whether the PM was relaxed about the debate, the PMS said that she would not try to characterise his response.

Asked whether it would not be easier to refer the issue to Sir Alex Allan, the PMS said that the PM has previously made comments on referral to Sir Alex Allen. The evidence already provided by Jeremy Hunt showed that he acted in a thoroughly proper way and took independent advice at every turn. As the Permanent Secretary for DCMS made very clear, Jeremy Hunt set up a process which left him a vanishingly small chance to manipulate the bid. The PM will not be referring Jeremy Hunt because he has acted properly.

Asked why the PM had not discussed the issue of referral with the DPM, the PMS said that it is up to the PM to appoint people to the Cabinet and his decision to make judgements on whether the ministerial code had been broken. In his view Jeremy Hunt has acted properly.

Asked when the PM was told of the DPM’s decision for Liberal Democrats to abstain from the vote, the PMS said that the Whips office are in regular contact with the PM and DPM’s offices.

Asked whether the PM would attend the debate or vote, the PMS said that the PM had engagements in his diary.

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