§ Mr. Edelmanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received in connection with the proposal by the Departmental Civil Service Committee that there should be a 10 per cent. cut in the budget of the BBC's External Services; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EnnalsMy right hon. Friend has received representations from the Association of Broadcasting Staff and the National Union of Journalists in connection with this alleged proposal. I must, however, make it clear that no such proposal has been made. The Government have of course to keep under review the cost of the BBC external services, like all other items of public expenditure. I am very conscious of the importance of the BBC external services, and this will be borne in mind in considering any savings which226W may be thought necessary in the overall expenditure under the control of my right hon. Friend.