§ 96. Sir Anthony Royleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution in 1974 and 1975 his Department made in both man-hours and money towards the BBC External Services; how much revenue is 588W contributed from other Government sources; and if he is satisfied that 735 hours of broadcasting time to overseas countries is adequate return for the public expenditure incurred.
§ Mr. EnnalsAbout 375 FCO staff were engaged in operating transmitters carrying External Services broadcasts. The total cost was approximately £2 million in 1974–75 and £2.6 million in 1975–76.
My Department also contributed with the Ministry of Defence towards the cost of the BBC Monitoring Service. A Home Office vote bears the main grant in aid. Amounts are published in Supply Estimates.
I am satisfied that the return on expenditure is adequate.