HC Deb 30 November 1995 vol 267 c817W
Mr. Robert McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the performance of the BBC World Service against its remit to explain, inform and educate those outside the United Kingdom of the affairs and nature of the United Kingdom. [3169]

Mr. Hanley

We have regular discussions with the World Service about its performance. The World Service is aware that informing overseas listeners about the United Kingdom is an important aspect of its remit. The content of programmes is a matter for the World Service.

Mr. McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to require the BBC World Service to broadcast the "Today", "The World at One", "PM" and "The World Tonight" programmes. [3170]

Mr. Hanley

It is for the BBC World Service to decide which domestic BBC programmes are suitable for international broadcasting.

Mr. Faulds

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to meet the managing director of the BBC World Service to discuss funding proposals for the next triennium. [3163]

Mr. Hanley

Detailed discussions on the next triennium will begin early next year.