LONDON -- The BBC is proposing a pay cap on news presenters as it grapples with disparity in what it pays men and women.

The broadcaster has proposed a 320,000 pound ($449,000) cap the day before the head of the BBC is to be questioned by lawmakers over the broadcaster's pay culture.

Meanwhile, a new report by a group representing women at the BBC says they faced "veiled threats" while trying to raise the subject of pay. The group wants the BBC to apologize and set in motion an "equal, fair and transparent pay structure."

A number of the BBC's leading male presenters agreed to pay cuts as the corporation sorts out pay inequality -- a situation that came to light last year with the publication of salaries.