BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION (OVERSEAS SERVICES) (Hansard, 27 February 1967)

§ 20. Mr. Fisher
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will increase the Government grant to the British Broadcasting Corporation to a sufficient extent to enable the Corporation to restore the cuts in the overseas service, including capital investment in new transmitters.

§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. William Rodgers)
No, Sir. The cuts in services will be more than offset by increased transmissions to areas of high priority. The capital programme now in hand is not affected; further projects may have to be spaced out, but factors other than the availability of money also affect this programme.

§ Mr. Fisher
As our political and military power in the world under the present Government rapidly decline, would not the hon. Gentleman agree that the attempt to influence people's minds should become increasingly the most important part of our foreign policy and that there should be no cuts at all in this service?

§ Mr. Rodgers
I entirely agree, and there will be an increase in the total hours broadcast by the B.B.C. from next April. The important thing is that our expenditure should be cost-effective.

§ Mr. Boston
Will my hon. Friend consider again the question of the closure of the B.B.C.'s Albanian services? Will he consider the very small sum of money, £15,000 a year, involved and the fact that the B.B.C. is willing to make adjustments so that these services can be resumed?

§ Mr. Rodgers
No, Sir. The decision was carefully considered and, in the light of information available to us, we felt that this was a point at which a reasonable economy could be made.

§ 27. Mr. Hugh Jenkins
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the review of British Overseas Information Services will include the overseas services of the British Broadcasting Corporation; if evidence from interested persons and organisations will be received; and if the possibility that the services should be expanded rather than reduced will be considered.

§ Mr. William Rodgers
Yes, Sir.

§ Mr. Jenkins
Will my hon. Friend accept that a number of people will be very glad to hear from him in a positive sense? As there is considerable public interest in the matter, would he consider the possibility of publishing the considerations and findings of the inquiry?

§ Mr. Rodgers
I shall certainly bear that in mind.