§ 19. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about the reduction in audibility of the BBC world service in the United Kingdom since the transmitter changes in September; and whether he will make a statement.
§ 27. Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to restore the audibility of BBC world service broadcasts in the United Kingdom to its former level.
§ Mr. RifkindThe BBC world service in English is part of the BBC external services, which, under the licence and agreement approved by this House, are intended for reception overseas. It is a fortuitous bonus that the world service is audible in parts of the United Kingdom.
In the past year the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has received 14 letters from hon. Members and eight from members of the public on this subject.