§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord Privy Seal how many of the representations he has received about cuts in the external services of the British Broadcasting Corporation have been from hon. Members.
§ Mr. RidleyAt close of business on 28 July my right hon. Friends and I had received 315 representations, of which 196 were from or referred through hon. Members. It is not possible to draw the line between hon. Members' views and those on whose behalf they write.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in discussing with the British Broadcasting Corporation the question of financial cuts for its overseas services, he will raise with it the question of savings on such services in respect of payments to commentators and others overseas for a few hours' commentary per annum; and if he will request it not to duplicate such payments.
§ Mr. RidleyWhile Her Majesty's Government welcome all ideas to reduce costs and have drawn this question to the BBC's attention, the internal administration of the BBC external services is, like its editorial freedom, a matter for the BBC itself. The external services follow a system of strict budgetary control.