Maldon: MP says BBC must answer Jimmy Savile scandal queries (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Maldon: MP says BBC must answer Jimmy Savile scandal queries

12:00pm Saturday 20th October 2012 in News By Emma Robinson

Maldon's MP has said “serious questions” have been raised about the BBC in light of the Jimmy Savile scandal.

John Whittingdale told the Commons on Monday at a BBC inquiry: “The revelations of recent weeks raise serious questions, not just about the culture that existed in the BBC some years ago—and in other organisations—but about the way in which the BBC has handled the matter, and in particular the very damaging suggestion that the “Newsnight” investigation was suppressed.”

Police believe Savile may have sexually abused 60 people since 1959.

As the chairman of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, Mr Whittingdale announced that the BBC director general George Entwistle has offered to appear before MPs next week about Sir Jimmy Savile.

Mr Entwistle had been due to appear in front of MPs later this year, but he offered to bring it forward to 23 October.

Mr Whittingdale added: “I am sure that my colleagues will wish to take up that offer.”