TREASURE ISLANDS AND RADIO 4 CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMES

Early day motion 510, tabled 26 November 1997 by Fiona Mactaggart (Labour). Signed by 147 members.

That this House is disturbed by the reports that Treasure Islands, a children's book programme presented by Michael Rosen on BBC Radio 4, is under threat of cancellation; recognises the important role the programme has played over many years in informing parents, teachers, children and anyone who is interested about recently published books for children; believe that in the National Year of Reading such programmes should be increased rather than cut; is concerned that this coincides with the planned end of BBC Radio 4's Sunday children's serial; urges the BBC to recognise its responsibility to develop children's imaginations and support their access to a wide range of books; and asks the Director-General of the BBC to reconsider his decision.

Signatures by party: Labour 105, Conservative 14, Liberal Democrat 13, Labour/Co-operative 12, Independent 1, Independent Conservative 1, Unknown 1.