§ 2.44 p.m.
§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can confirm that the Treasury have not made special monies available to the BBC for teaching the Russian language on television.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, HOME OFFICE (Lord Belstead)My Lords, I so confirm.
§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYMy Lords, in thanking my noble friend for that Answer, may I ask whether he is aware that these broadcasts portray the Soviet Union in such a favourable light that they actually extol the virtues of Communism and as a result help to persuade certain people to support the Olympic Games in Moscow? Secondly, is it not time that the whole of our country supported our Prime Minister and the President of the United States in these matters?
§ Lord BELSTEADMy Lords, I have not seen the programme to which my noble friend is referring. However, the BBC has editorial responsibility for the content of its programmes within the general rules prescribed by its charter and licence agreement. In the exercise of this responsibility the BBC acknowledges a duty to treat controversial subjects with due impartiality—
§ Lord BELSTEADWell, my Lords, in this case the BBC decided to proceed with a series entitled, "Russian Language and People", but, as your Lordships may have noticed, the BBC is reported to have shelved another series entitled, "Journey through Russia". I really am certain that these are matters for the BBC, not for the Government.
§ Lord SEGALMy Lords, can the noble Lord confirm that these programmes were decided on prior to the Russian invasion of Afghanistan, and that they have in no way been altered since that invasion?
§ Lord BELSTEADMy Lords, I understand from the newspaper reports that these programmes were filmed and planned long before the Afghanistan invasion.