§ Mr. Temple-MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consider using BBC World Service Television for the purposes of the dissemination of Government information.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesWe are not considering such a move, which would not be possible without compromising the editorial independence of the BBC.
§ Mr. Temple-MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the purpose of the new service to be provided by Worldwide Television News for Her Majesty's Government; and who will have editorial control.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesThe Foreign and Commonwealth Office has retained the services of Worldwide Television News to provide short topical news items for transmission by satellite direct to TV stations abroad for their use in news bulletins. The service will be under the FCO's editorial control. It will form part of the FCO's overseas information effort aimed at explaining and winning support for the United Kingdom's policies.
§ Mr. Temple-MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial support he has given to BBC World Service Television.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesWe have given no financial support to BBC World Service Television, which is now broadcasting on a commercial basis throughout Europe, Asia and the middle east.
§ Mr. Temple-MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial support he intends to give Worldwide Television News; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesWe do not intend to give Worldwide Television News any financial support. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has signed a contract with the company for a specific service, the provision of a TV news service for satellite transmission overseas. Worldwide Television News tendered successfully for the project in competition with others.