BBC boss quizzed over anti-Welsh comments

Police have questioned BBC director general Greg Dyke about Anne Robinson’s anti-Welsh comments on a TV show.

They are investigating whether the BBC broke the Race Relations Act because of her controversial comments.

Officers from North Wales Police travelled to the BBC’s London headquarters two weeks ago to quiz Dyke over Robinson’s rant on Room 101.

During the BBC2 show, Weakest Link presenter Robinson told host Paul Merton that the Welsh were one of her pet hates.

‘‘They are always so pleased with themselves,’’ she said. ‘‘I’ve never taken to them. What are they for?’’

The show provoked a flood of complaints to police when it was first screened in March last year.

Police decided to act after the BBC repeated the programme, complete with the comments, earlier this year - although not in Wales - and screened a clip during May’s Bafta TV Awards.

A North Wales Police spokeswoman said: ‘‘We can confirm that two senior North Wales Police detectives interviewed Greg Dyke, director general of the BBC, in London at the beginning of July concerning a repeat showing of an episode of Room 101 involving Anne Robinson.

‘‘Mr Dyke was interviewed regarding possible contravention of the Race Relations Act and investigations are continuing.’’

Under the Act it is a criminal offence to incite racial hatred by publishing or distributing matter which is ‘‘threatening, abusive or insulting’’.

Anyone found guilty of the offence could face a fine or prison sentence.

A BBC spokesman confirmed that police had a meeting with Mr Dyke two weeks ago and that the investigation was continuing.