It should seriously consider scrapping News 24 and use the money to support BBC local radio and BBC World, both of which valued services are underfunded. Column 506 steps to eliminate waste. We shall make our decisions on the Davies proposals in January and we shall take account of the Select Committee recommendations. Does my hon. My local authority is experiencing increasing problems with that, and I should be grateful for an assurance from the Minister that she will examine the matter.
Friend is right to draw attention to that continuing problem.
The Government were the first to realise that the current system is anomalous and unfair. We are still considering the recommendations of the Davies report on existing concessionary arrangements in the light of responses to the public consultation. An announcement will be made in January. Gentleman should not be too presumptuous. As I have already said, the Government are still considering the Davies report recommendations, and we shall make an announcement in January.