This is the text of an apparent email exchange between a former and the current head of the World Service.  It has been circulating around Bush House - accuracy not vouched for.

Subject: RE: Mansell
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2011 09:43:54 +0000
From: peter.horrocks(rest of address removed)
To: john.tusa(rest of address removed)

Dear John

Thank you for your email and kind wishes for the future at this difficult time for the World Service.

We have been in close touch with Gerry's family since his sad death and we let them know in early January that unfortunately, there will not be a memorial service for Gerry. This difficult decision was taken by the Director General's office which is responsible for memorial services. The decision in no way deflects from the high esteem in which Gerry is held at the BBC but was taken because of tight financial circumstances - the BBC is looking to cut 20% across all licence fee funded divisions, including centrally funded departments which pay for memorial services. I thought that you would like to know that Mark Thompson has written to Gerry's widow on behalf of the BBC and Mark Byford and Caroline Thomson attended his funeral.

At Bush House, we have ensured that Gerry can be remembered by colleagues past and present through a condolences book. Gerry has also been remembered in Prospero, the magazine for ex-members of staff.

Best wishes

Peter

From: John Tusa
Sent: 01 February 2011 09:48
To: Peter Horrocks
Subject: Mansell

Peter - will there be a BBC memorial service for Gerry or are such things a victim of cuts?  I am sure you know how much Bush House feels there should be one? Best and good luck with everything -  JT