CUTS TO THE BBC WORLD SERVICE

Early day motion 220A1, tabled 21 January 1999 by Eric Illsley (Labour). Signed by 45 members.

leave out from 'House' to end and add 'believes that the World Service is an extraordinary asset and ambassador for Britain; deplores any plan which would reduce the effectiveness of the World Service at a time when the Government has increased its budget; but believes that to flourish the World Service must adapt and change and in particular should be investing in alternatives to short wave such as FM and the Internet; and calls on the Government to conclude the ongoing discussions with the BBC as to how the increased grant in aid can be used to maximise World Service effectiveness.'.

Signatures by party: Labour 32, Conservative 5, Liberal Democrat 5, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.