SILVER STREET AND BBC RADIO DRAMA (No.2)

That this House notes the letter to hon. Members from David Holdsworth in response to concerns raised locally and in Parliament about the BBC's decision to end the broadcasting of Silver Street; welcomes the BBC's commitment to distinctive drama but expresses concern that the total yearly volume of drama on the Asian network will be reduced from 21 to six hours; restates concerns that the proposed cancellation is a serious blow to the opportunities of Midlands-based producers, directors and writers and for lead roles for ethnic minority actors in the Midlands; and seeks the BBC's assurance that whatever replaces Silver Street will be produced at the BBC Birmingham Drama Village and for the same number of hours of radio drama output.