From the Church of England Communications Office

The Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, asked a written question in the House of Lords about the cuts to the BBC World Service, to which the Minister replied on 2 March.

Question and Answer are set out in full below, and at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldhansrd/text/110302w0001.htm#11030261000247

BBC: World Service - Question asked by The Archbishop of York

"To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of proposed cuts to the BBC World Service; and whether they will provide appropriate funding to ensure a high level of coverage is maintained globally."

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary made it clear in his Statement to the other place on 26 January 2011 that the BBC World Service, like any other taxpayer-funded body, must ensure that it is working on the right priorities and as efficiently as possible. In the current financial climate, we believe that a 16 per cent cut to the BBC World Budget is a fair deal. It maintains the same proportion of money coming from the FCO since 2008.

The new budgets for the BBC World Service are £253 million/£242 million/£238 million over the first three years of the 2010 spending review period. From 2014-15, funding of the BBC World Service will be transferred to the licence fee.

We share with the BBC a common aim to build on the historic achievements of the World Service and ensure it continues to retain its global influence and reach in a rapidly changing world.