Holyrood committee calls on STV chair to reconsider giving ecidence to MSPs

A Holyrood committee has called for the chair of STV to reconsider a decision not to give evidence to MSPs. Members of the Scottish Parliament's Culture Committee had wanted to question Baroness Ford on the plans to close the loss-making STV2 channel and restructure its news operation, putting 59 jobs at risk.

An STV spokeswoman said prior long-standing commitments'' meant Baroness Ford was unable to give evidence to MSPs on June 28.

The committee has already quizzed chief executive Simon Pitts, who insisted the measures are necessary'' to guarantee STV's future.

Joan McAlpine, convener of the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee, said Baroness Ford had already stated in a letter that she had no further evidence to add'' to that.

She also hit out at the broadcaster for refusing to provide paperwork to MSPs which they had requested, and said she was unimpressed'' that a representative from STV's largest shareholder Crystal Amber would not be appearing before the committee.

Ms McAlpine said: The refusal of STV to hand over its strategy document after saying it would consider our request is very disappointing.

I'm also unimpressed by the refusal of Crystal Amber to appear before our committee, as it was clear from earlier evidence that these were strategic decisions made by the board. ''

She added: These cumulative refusals make it imperative that the chair of the board, Baroness Ford, reconsiders our invitation to appear before MSPs on June 28.''

Deputy convener Claire Baker insisted: Questions still remain to be answered by STV on the cuts to its news service in Scotland.

Our cross-party committee would expect the board of STV to recognise the importance of our invitation to give further evidence.''

An STV spokeswoman said: Baroness Ford has confirmed to the committee that she is unable to attend its June 28 session due to prior long-standing commitments, namely the AGM of the STV Children's Appeal and the STV plc Board meeting.

Regardless of this, our chief executive Simon Pitts and managing director, broadcast, Bobby Hain provided extensive and detailed information and responses to the committee on June 7 and our chairman and board are satisfied that this evidence provided a clear and comprehensive overview of the future growth strategy for STV. ''

She said STV wanted to clarify an assumption made by the committee convener'', adding:Our strategic plan was developed by our executive directors and approved by the STV Plc Board.

Crystal Amber does not sit on the STV Board and in common with all other shareholders, did not develop or set our business's future growth strategy.''

In relation to job losses the spokeswoman stressed: We are continuing to actively engage in a consultation process with staff and trade union partners on the implementation of our news reorganisation.

We are making good progress in reducing the scope of compulsory redundancies to the extent that the NUJ confirmed yesterday that they will not be initiating industrial action.''

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