§ Lord Campbell-Savoursasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the cost to the BBC World Service of translation services in Arabic. [HL3458]
§ The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)Translation of material for broadcast, both into and from English, is an integral part of all language service operations within the BBC World Service and is carried out by programme staff as part of their normal duties. All languages combine translation of central BBC material in English with original journalism by producers and editors. The costs of translation are part of the overall costs of programme production.
§ Lord Campbell-Savoursasked Her Majesty's Government:
What arrangements exist for translation by outside contractors of BBC World Service programmes. [HL3459]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe BBC World Service's 43 language services are run by BBC members of staff. Some translation work is done by freelancers or workers on a casual basis, but this is a very small proportion. All output is subject to BBC guidelines and rigorous review procedures.