TNAG-1555-FCO40-2119-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 337

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FROM:

N J Barrington

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15 APRIL 1986

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Mr Reeve

Mr Ratford

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Mr David Thomas

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Mr Wilson

Sir D Miers

Geographical Departments

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RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

2 3 APR 1986

Heads of all

Miss Neville-Jones, Planning Staff

DESK OFFICER

REGISTRY

PA

Action Taken

//

BBC EXTERNAL SERVICES: PRESCRIPTION COMMITTEE

we

1. As you know, in accordance with a recommendation in the report of the Perry Review of the BBC External Services, regularly look into the prescription of the External Services to ensure that their output accords with FCO objectives and represents the most effective use of the grants-in-aid. Prescription Committee meetings were held in December 1984 and June 1985. I should like to chair another meeting of this Committee on 24 April at 3.30 pm.

2. I attach a draft agenda of the topics which I should like to cover, together with a list summarising the present prescription. As usual we should consider any increases or reductions in hours of services or activities and the possible introduction of any new services. We might also attempt to rank the vernacular Services in order of priority in terms of FCO objectives. I shall report on the implementation of the current BBC audibility programme and look at the BBC's preliminary proposals for long-term capital expenditure which include further ideas for enhancing BBC audibility after the current programme is completed in 1991. In order to focus discussion I am attaching two papers prepared by Information Department.

3. In view of the importance of the BBC External Services in terms of our information effort overseas and the amount of financial resources we devote to the grants-in-a id (£92 million in 1985/86, representing some 60 per cent of our total overseas information vote), I should be grateful if addressees of this minute could give some thought to these issues before the meeting on 24 April. I am told the time is convenient for all. For advice on, or further suggestions for, the agenda in advance of the meeting, please contact Mrs Wright, Information Department, on 210 6112.

NJ Barrington

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