Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

Julian Lewis Excerpts
Thursday 9th September 2010

(14 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Young of Cookham Portrait Sir George Young
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I, too, welcome the appointment of the new trade Minister. I am not sure whether the Government can find time for a debate, but my hon. Friend has had remarkable success—if I may say so—in his bids for debates in Westminster Hall, and he might like to try his luck again on that one.

Julian Lewis Portrait Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)
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May we have a statement from the Foreign Secretary on the future of the BBC World Service, and in particular on the future of the BBC Russian Service? It has not been above criticism in the past, but if it were to disappear completely, we would never get the frequencies back for broadcasts.

Lord Young of Cookham Portrait Sir George Young
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My hon. Friend makes a good point, and the World Service is respected throughout the world. I will certainly pass his concerns on to the Foreign Secretary. The issue may well not be resolved until the CSR is finalised.