HC Deb 03 May 1954 vol 527 cc9-10
18. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what changes in the foreign language services of the British Broadcasting Corporation are to take place as a result of the recommendations of the Drogheda Committee.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

As my hon. Friend informed the House on 1st March, Her Majesty's Government are giving further consideration to the recommendations of the Drogheda Committee; there will be no change in the present pattern of external broadcasting until this examination of the long-term issues is completed.

Mr. Davies

In making this examination, which seems to have taken an unconscionably long time considering that the Report was in the hands of the Government last July, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that one of the recommendations is to reduce the services to Western Europe, which cost only £135,000, and that to do that would be very foolish in present circumstances, especially in view of the increase in the broadcasts of the Soviet Union to Scandinavia and the rest of Western Europe?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I am sure that this point will be borne in mind before a final decision is taken.

Mr. Gordon Walker

The hon. Gentleman says that the present pattern will be preserved pending this decision of the Government. Does that mean output, not merely financial amount? The costs of these services go up sometimes, and if we maintain a financial ceiling that may reduce the output.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I am sure that was taken into account by the B.B.C.

Mr. Davies

When can we expect the decision of the Government to be reached? The House is getting a little impatient at the delay.