The BBC has delayed a decision as to whether or not it will place adverts on its web pages for visitors outside the UK.

Although currently the BBC websites are paid for by the licence fee, some argue that international visitors should be served adverts because they don't contribute to the running of the site.

However some commentators believe that placing adverts on the site would destroy the Beeb's impartiality.

The BBC World Service, which is shown in hotel rooms around the world outside the UK, currently does run adverts on the service.

The BBC has said that the "governing Trust will not be making a decision on funding the international part of the BBC website with adverts until later in the spring".