HL Deb 02 November 2000 vol 618 cc113-4WA
Baroness Serota

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they support the recent decision of the BBC to move the BBC World Service to Broadcasting House. [HL4443]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The BBC announced on 30 October that the BBC World Service will move from Bush House to Broadcasting House at the end of 2006. We welcome and endorse this decision, about which we have been kept fully informed.

We are confident that the World Service will maintain in Broadcasting House the standards and traditions that have made it the world's best known and most respected voice in international broadcasting. The new location will be better suited than Bush House to enable the World Service to meet the challenges of the digital age—for which the Government made available an additional £64 million in the recent Spending Review—and to work to maximum effect with key BBC partners.

It also offers better value for money than remaining at Bush House.