Much of what the BBC does causes me surprise and anger. Showing endless hours of sport - because the lads and ladettes who run the corporation happen to like it - represents one disgraceful abuse of the viewing public. But this is perhaps a venial sin measured against the insolence the BBC shows in flagrantly boosting the business interests of Andrew Lloyd Webber and his Really Useful Company. Tomorrow sees the start of its third exercise in promoting the composer's West End shows in the guise of giving youngsters "the chance for stardom".

The full outrage (and indeed the horror) of what is in prospect is neatly encapsulated in the Radio Times listing for I'd Do Anything. Here it is: "Following his successful TV searches for newcomers to star in The Sound of Music and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Andrew Lloyd Webber, with the help of Denise Van Outen and John Barrowman, tries to find youngsters to play the title role in his West End production of Oliver!, plus an Amy Winehouse-type to portray the female lead, Nancy. Presented by Graham Norton."

Let us turn from that neat indictment of BBC policy to last year's judgment by the BBC Trust - see a toothless dog anywhere, in this week following Crufts? - concerning a complaint from other theatre bosses that the corporation was unfairly boosting their rival.

Its Editorial Standards Committee was asked to rule on a claim that How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? could be "considered commercial advertising" for Lloyd Webber and that the role of the show's judges "was often primarily about the success of the coming West End production and the need to fill seats".

The complaint was not upheld after this absurd committee took the view that the programme makers had retained editorial control and avoided "disproportionate prominence for Lloyd Webber and the production".

Do these asses live in the same world as the rest of us?