asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has replied to the request by the British Broadcasting Corporation, Scotland to the Scottish Office for financial support for the educational broadcasting programmes which it produces for schools in Scotland.

The British Broadcasting Corporation, Scotland, has been informed that, while I have no doubt that these programmes are greatly appreciated by schools in Scotland, I take the view that it would not be acceptable in principle for the Government to provide any financial support for these programmes. While recognising that it is for the corporation to decide how the resources available to them should be used, I have expressed the hope that it will be prepared to reconsider this aspect of its proposals.