Culture Secretary John Whittingdale faces Lords' questions on the BBC

The inquiry set out to review the existing BBC Public Purposes and consider their continued relevance, as well as investigating whether there is a better way to set the funding for the BBC, whilst still assuring value for money for the taxpayer, and protecting the BBC's independence.

Questions the Committee are likely to put to the Culture Secretary include:

• How will the Government ensure that the public has an equal voice in the debate on Charter Renewal?
• Has there been sufficient time allowed for a comprehensive Charter Review process?
• Should the Charter process be uncoupled from the General Election cycle, and do you have any plans to make this happen?
• How do you respond to the idea that the BBC should be enshrined in statute, ensuring no changes could take place without full Parliamentary approval?
• Is there a danger that, in this debate on the BBC, the focus is on money as opposed to social benefits?

In the previous session, at 3.30pm, the Committee will look at the sixth Public Purpose, which concerns "emerging communications technologies and services". It will hear from Steve Holebrook, Director of Terrestrial Broadcast, and Anirban Roy, Director of Public Policy at Arqiva, which provides infrastructure and media services.

The witnesses will face questions from the Committee on issues including whether the sixth Public Purpose is still relevant in 2015 and beyond, and if it should be re-worded or clarified; whether the BBC should cut back on its wide range of services; how important the BBC's investment in DAB is for the growth and sustainability of the platform, and whether that role should belong to the BBC; and their experiences of working in partnership with the BBC.

The evidence session will take place on Tuesday 17 November at 3.30pm in Committee Room 2 of the House of Lords.