Lord Chelwoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will now reconsider their decision not to meet fully the risen costs of the British Council in view of the far-reaching criticisms which regard this economy as a false one; and if not, to state precisely what cuts would have to be made; and
Whether they will now reconsider their decision not to meet fully the risen costs of the BBC Overseas Service in view of the far-reaching criticisms which regard this economy as a false one; and if not, to state precisely what cuts would have to be made.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)Our decision that the BBC External Services and the British Council should absorb about 1 per cent. of their total expenditure in 1985–86 because of risen costs was taken in the context of the continuing need to maintain tight control on public expenditure. We do not propose to reconsider it. The BBC and the British Council are still considering what adjustments to their activities in 1985–86 w ill be necessary.