Written question asked by Andrew Smith (Labour) on Thursday, 26 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 January 2006. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 February 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

BBC World Service

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about the BBC World Service's decision to cease broadcasting non-English language services in parts of eastern Europe, Thailand and Kazakhstan; and what assessment has been made of the likely impact of this decision.

Answer: I have received representations from Members of Parliament and members of the public in the UK, as well as from some Governments and members of the public in the countries concerned. Many have expressed concern and opposition to the changes while some have endorsed the reprioritisation of the BBC World Service. The changes involved were decided on the basis of a thorough assessment of the reach and impact of all its language services. The overall impact of the closures has been judged to be low.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 47297; 442 c532W;442 c532W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Broadcasting programmes Languages Thailand BBC World Service Eastern Europe Overseas broadcasting Kazakhstan International broadcasting
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk