BBC World Service: Middle East (Hansard, 10 January 2005)

HL Deb 10 January 2005 vol 668 c5WA 5WA

§ The Earl of Sandwich
asked Her Majesty's Government:
To what extent the work of the BBC World Service in the Middle East within the SR04 submission will be scaled back during 2005–08; which services will be lost; and whether and when this process can be halted or reversed. [HL456]

§ Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
The BBC World Service is reviewing its priorities ahead of presenting its three-year plan for 2005–08 to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in early 2005. We expect the plan to include proposals for new investments, efficiencies and some reprioritisation. No decisions regarding the Middle East or any other region have yet been taken by the BBC World Service.