HL Deb 21 June 2004 vol 662 cc108-9WA
Lord Stoddart of Swindon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the BBC or any of its employees receive any financial assistance or benefits in kind from the European Union towards the provision and upkeep of their news and current affairs services in Brussels or elsewhere in the European Union; and, if so, what is the value and nature of such assistance. [HL3112]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Lord McIntosh of Haringey)

In common with all other broadcasters the BBC uses the European Parliament's audio-visual facilities from time to time but the BBC's Producers' Guidelines make clear that "Co-funding must never be accepted for news, current affairs or consumer advice programming on any BBC domestic or international service".