| In 2003 we reported on: the case for a London Olympic bid for 2012 (a proposal with huge implications for sports policy and resources as well as the regeneration of East London); support for the tourist industry (the UK's fifth largest sector of economic activity); the regulation, and self-regulation, of the media; public support for British film-making (a key element of the UK's creative industries and an important part of how the world perceives this country); and developments in policy on cultural property (protecting the £5 billion British art market and some key issues around the ability of museums and galleries to tackle claims for the return of items from their collections).
We also examined the BBC and the DCMS, on their respective annual reports. In the case of the Department, we paid close attention to its reporting of performance against the targets within its Public Service Agreement. We examined Granada and Carlton Communications (and others), on the implications of those companies' merger for public service broadcasting; Ofcom, on its readiness to regulate; and a range of witnesses on the public support provided for the development of musical theatre in Britain. Reports on these matters were completed in early 2004 or are under consideration. We followed up our Report on the case for an Olympic bid, after the Government decided to support one, with oral evidence from Barbara Cassani, the newly-appointed Chairman of London 2012 (the bid vehicle) in September 2003.
Going into 2004, we are looking at the Government's proposals for the reform of the National Lottery in the light of: declining ticket sales; the challenge of potentially part-funding the 2012 Olympics; and questions raised over how to award the operating licence. In addition, we intend to complement pre-legislative scrutiny undertaken by the Joint Committee on the draft Gambling Bill (although clauses relating to the National Lottery have yet to be published by DCMS). Other issues which will demand attention in the forthcoming year include the review of the BBC's Charter in the context of the wider ecology of public service broadcasting and evolving communications environment.
We have been concerned to develop a systematic approach to meeting the objectives set by the House. To this end we have been in discussion with DCMS about improving the flow of information from the Department on its wide variety of activities without imposing an overly bureaucratic approach. We expect to be able to report on the conclusion of these negotiations in next year's annual report.
Much of our work in 2003 this year was built on previous inquiries and a major concern has arisen over the responsiveness of the Department to our recommendations (which themselves flow from the balance of evidence that we receive); in particular, the implementation of commitments arising from recommendations that the Government seemed to have accepted. We intend to undertake a more detailed study of this matter during 2004, reporting further in our next annual report.
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