Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mark Williams and Karen Bradley

Thursday 9th February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Mark Williams (Ceredigion) (LD)]

5. What plans she has for the future funding of S4C; and if she will make a statement.

[The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Karen Bradley)]

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have committed to a comprehensive review of S4C this year. It will look at a range of issues, including funding arrangements, remit, accountability and governance. I look forward to his contributions to that review.

[Mr Williams]

I thank the Secretary of State for her answer. She will be aware of the huge significance of S4C to the people of Wales. When the announcement of a review was made last year, the Government wisely froze the cut to the Department’s share of S4C’s budget. The review has not yet started—it will conclude this year—so will she guarantee again to freeze any proposed cut to S4C’s budget?

[Karen Bradley]

The Government are committed to ensuring that S4C has a strong and sustainable long-term future in broadcasting. We will ensure that the appropriate budgets are available.