§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received about the contribution of BBC World Television to the promotion of British interests internationally; and if he will make a statement. [99997]
§ Mr. HainWe have received no such representations. In July, a senior producer from BBC World wrote to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary about future funding of BBC World. In his reply, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear that, as BBC World was established as a commercial venture, he could see no possibility of Government taking on responsibility for its financing.
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§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he plans to provide grant in aid from his Department's budget for BBC World Television; and if he will make a statement. [99996]
§ Mr. HainThere are no plans to provide grant in aid from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's budget for BBC World. BBC World is a commercial operation funded by subscription and/or advertising. It is part of the BBC's commercial arm and is quite separate from the BBC World Service which is funded by parliamentary grant in aid.