HL Deb 15 April 1980 vol 408 cc273-4WA
Lord MACKIE of BENSHIE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to retain a Scottish School Broadcasting Service in the light of cuts proposed by the BBC.

The Earl of MANSFIELD

My right honourable friend has informed the British Broadcasting Corporation, Scotland—in response to a request by it for financial support for the educational broadcasting programmes which it produces for schools in Scotland—that, while he has no doubt that these programmes are greatly appreciated by schools in Scotland, he takes the view that it would not be acceptable in principle for the Government to provide any financial support for these programmes. While recognising that it is for the corporation to decide how the resources available to it should he used, he has expressed the hope that it will be prepared to reconsider this aspect of its proposals. In the final analysis, however, this is a matter for the corporation itself.

House adjourned at four minutes before eleven o'clock.