§ Q2. Mr. Ashleyasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the coordination between the Home Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding the BBC's external services.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. AshleyIs my right hon. Friend aware that cuts in the BBC's Overseas Service would muffle the voice of Britain at a time when our words are far more important than our warships, and when other countries are extending their foreign transmissions? Is he further aware that while I appreciate the need for cuts in public expenditure I am disturbed by the attitude of general vagueness of the Foreign Office? Will he kindly give a commitment to the House to the effect that there will be no further cuts in the Overseas Service of the BBC?
§ The Prime MinisterI hope my hon. Friend will not feel that the inquiry going on means that any decision has been taken, or is in prospect. This is an automatic review of all areas of public expenditure, following the adoption of the Estimates announced by the former Chancellor of the Exchequer last December. All areas are being reviewed, as is right. The House knows the importance of the external services and the job they 631 do. We have to look at costs and, in particular, at value for money.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonCannot some of the home media learn from the BBC's World Service something about reading the news straight?
§ The Prime MinisterI think there is something in what the hon. Gentleman says. One of the great values of the external services, quite apart from the message that is sent out to many nationals in a large number of countries, is that they help expatriate Britons abroad who can get—as many of us find when we travel abroad—a straight, clear and informative kind of news about this country.
§ Mr. Michael StewartDoes my right hon. Friend agree that it would be much easier to damage this country's interests by curtailing these services than to repair that damage later if there were a change of policy?
§ The Prime MinisterI agree with my right hon. Friend. As I have said, here, as in all other aspects of expenditure, a review is made and decisions have to be taken by Parliament.
§ Mr. Tom KingDoes the Prime Minister recognise that there is considerable concern in many quarters that the Home Office should have any responsibility for co-ordinating broadcasting services, and that the recent changes that have been made following the abolition of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications mean that this extremely sensitive area of broadcasting comes under much more direct political control?
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware of any representations that have been made on that point. The hon. Gentleman might like to get in touch with myself or the Home Secretary. I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman's criticism. It does not arise out of this Question because responsibility for the BBC's external services is with my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary.