§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken to implement the suggestions for monitoring the effect of restructuring the BBC World Service made by the then Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 12 November 1996; and if he will make a statement. [5832]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe are monitoring closely the effects of the restructuring, and the implementation of the 20 agreed measures contained in this Department's/BBC World Service Working Group Report. We have regular meetings with the World Service to review progress. Diplomatic posts abroad have been asked to monitor World Service broadcasts. The Working Group is due to reconvene in the Autumn.
§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs is he will list the safeguards announced in October 1996 for the protection of the BBC World Service during the period of restructuring, indicating in each case the extent to which it has been implemented; and if he will make a statement. [5831]
§ Mr. LloydCopies of this Department's/BBC World Service Working Group Report, which contain the 20 agreed measures designed to safeguard the World Service, are available from the Libraries of the House. The Working Group will reconvene in the autumn to ensure that the measures are functioning satisfactorily and producing the desired results.