BBC World Service (Hansard, 2 July 1998)

§ Mr. Hesford
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to(a) maintain and (b) enhance the BBC World Service. [48266]

§ Mr. Fatchett
The Government are committed to the maintenance of the World Service's reputation for objective news and comment and pre-eminence among international broadcasters. Financial support for the World Service, along with other commitments, is currently being examined as part of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review.

§ Mr. Hesford
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to assist the BBC World Service in retaining its Chinese Service. [48265]

§ Mr. Fatchett
Broadcasting in vernacular languages is an important element in the World Service's ability to reach its target audiences. The Chinese service is one of the World Service's key language services. We support the priority which the World Service gives to the Chinese Service.