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BBC under fire for concealing executives’ celebrity expenses

Amar Singh
25 Jun 2009


The BBC was attacked today over refusing to disclose how much executives spend entertaining celebrities.

The corporation is set to publish expenses claims after accusations that public funds are being wasted.

But some of the most sensitive information is likely to be removed due to a clause in the Freedom of Information Act allowing details related to its “journalism, art or literature” to be secret.

Last week there was a public backlash after details of MPs' expenses were blacked out and a BBC source expects a similar response.

He said some claims would total more than £1,000 a month on lunches, five-star hotels and entertainment.

Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman, said: “It's just not good enough. We are moving towards transparency in relation to people who are paid from the public purse.

“It was right that MPs were forced to do so. I do not see why the same discipline should not apply.”

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Why do we have to listen to & watch Mike Bushell on Breakfast he is the most annoying person I have ever seen. Why do we have to pay for Lizo talking to people at Glastonbury (who's bothered ! & if you are go there! what a waste of money. Give me Bill Turnbull, Charlie State and Kate Silverton. They are the best!!!

- Sheila, kenilworth england, 29/06/2009 14:48
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So they pay these 'celebrities' a fortune to appear on BBC and then claim another fortune entertaining them?

- Mark, London, 25/06/2009 12:10
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