I think it's great to get an insight into a successful show. I would love to know how long before the show being recorded do the writers stop making changes. How big is the writing team? In addition how many lawyers work on it!
The ratio of stuff getting past the lawyers now?
And finally more of a general BBC question, how much does a writer have to contribute to get a mention in the credits? 
Ask them if any joke recycling happens, and if they say no refer them to this YouTube clip (look for the introduction for Nick)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma9i0oJ36J8
and remind them of Ed Byrne's introduction last week 
The interview can now be read online here
Hopefully most of the questions you've posed have been answered - for obvious reasons I couldn't ask every single one, but hopefully I've got most of them (including some of the negative ones).
If nothing else it hopefully shows that the writing team is made up of well-known names with a track record in the industry and the jobs aren't just handed out to "John Merton, Barry Hislop and Kevin Deayton" thus - by working hard - it isn't impossible to get on a show like that.
Feel free to post any feedback or discussions that come out of the interview below...
Excellent interview... well done Mark!!! Really useful. I didn't notice any 'negative' questions being asked, I thought they were all 'positive and relevant' !!! Good stuff! 
Excellent!
I like their answers to the Prescott question.
Very good interview. Glad to see there's a shortage of 'just' writers *is one herself*.
Yeah. I liked that bit too.
Non performers unite!
So you're not a performer then.. 
Only to an audience of one.
(Or two.)
Two! 
Well you know, If David Tennant and John Barrowman come knocking, I'm not going to say no.
Every thread turns to smut. 
Naw, not every thread surely..
..wait a minute..
yeah..
Writers rule. All of the recognition, less of the noticing when on a drinking spree.
plus you don't alays have to be 'on'. I bet people expect gervais to be funny all the time but if you just say writer, you can tell them to f**k off.
If you're that way inclinded that is.
Thanks for that Mark, a really excellent insight into a very popular programme. Knowing a bit about the show's make up actually makes watching the show even more enjoyable. I think you should take over from Parky. Ooh I feel another letter coming on....
Dear ITV....