§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans to increase funding for the British Broadcasting Corporation world service.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe are currently considering the next three-year funding requirements of the external services for the period 1988–89 to 1990–91 which will include an amount for the world service (approximately £17 million in 1986–87). Any increase in funding for the external services will need to be assessed against other demands on Foreign and Commonwealth Office resources, and it is likely to be some time before any decisions are taken.