HL Deb 22 March 1993 vol 544 cc4-5WA
Lord Elton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they plan to take in connection with the television service Red Hot Television formerly known as Red Hot Dutch.

Viscount Astor

On Friday 19th March the Government notified the broadcaster of the television service Red Hot Television and the European Commission that it proposes to take action against this service under Article 2.2 of the EC Broadcasting Directive (89/552/EEC). Article 2.2 provides for a member state to take action against a service coming from another member state where that service manifestly, seriously and gravely infringes Article 22 of the Broadcasting Directive, which deals with the protection of minors, because of the content of its programme material.

Article 2.2 lays down a 15-day period for consultations with the transmitting state and the Commission. If it is not possible to reach an amicable settlement during this period, the Government will take steps to restrict re-transmission of the service within the United Kingdom. To this end, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for National Heritage proposes to make an order under Section 177 of the Broadcasting Act 1990 proscribing Red Hot Television. The Independent Television Commission notified him on 15th October 1992 and 1st February 1993 that it considers this service to be an unacceptable foreign satellite service within the meaning of Section 177 of the Broadcasting Act 1990. Subject to the outcome of the consultations required by the directive, he is satisfied that the making of such an order would be in the public interest and compatible with the international obligations of the United Kingdom. The making of an order under Section 177 would have the effect of activating, once the order was in force, the criminal offences of supporting a proscribed foreign satellite service specified in Section 178 of the Broadcasting Act 1990.