BBC: World Service

Lord McNally Excerpts

Tuesday 27th November 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Glenarthur]

My Lords—

[The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally)]

We will hear from this side and then go to the Cross Benches.

[Lord Glenarthur]

My Lords, while sharing many of the concerns that the noble Lord, Lord Alton, raised, my noble friend mentioned the internet. Can she say to what extent the internet has provided an increasing advantage of opportunity for people all over the world to listen to the very valuable product of the World Service?

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Coussins]

My Lords—

[Lord McNally]

We will hear from the Cross Benches first, and then Labour.

[Baroness Coussins]

My Lords, the Minister said that only five foreign language services had been cut, but I understand that all radio broadcasting in seven languages has been cut as a result of the financial constraints. Is the Minister satisfied that the commercial sponsorship being sought—so that some of this at least can be restored, especially in Arabic and Russian—is on track and that, if it is successful, commercial factors will not compromise the independence and impartiality of the World Service?