Cable Television

HC Deb 29 November 1982 vol 33 cc13-4

13. Mr. Aitken

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations he has received following the publication of the Hunt report on cable television.

18. Mr. Warren

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of the development of cable networks in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

I have received representations from many interested parties since the Hunt report was published, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, who is responsible for broadcasting policy, has also received comments.

As I told the House on 20 April, the Government intend to announce the outlines of their policy towards wide band cable systems before the end of this year.

Mr. Aitken

Is my hon. Friend aware that the mood among potential investors in cable television is one of increasing caution, due to the figures and market research that are being produced concerning costs and consumer response? In order to overcome that caution, will my hon. Friend consider sugaring the investment pill by considering the possibility of extending the franchise beyond the 10 years recommended by Lord Hunt?

Mr. Baker

Whenever I have spoken about cable television I have always made it clear that I do not regard it as an area for the "quick-buck merchants". Those who are thinking of coming in to make a lot of money from cable television will be ill advised in seeking to do so. Investment in cable television must be for a long period of years.

My hon. Friend's point concerning the length of the franchise or the licence for the operator and the provider is important, and we are giving active consideration to it.

Mr. Warren

I welcome my hon. Friend's statement, but will he give an assurance that he will look at the legislation governing the rights of cable users and operators to lay cables? Will he ensure that the rights are there and that those concerned can use the rights of British Telecom and public utilities which already exist, to lay cables expeditiously?

Mr. Baker

Yes, I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. It is a very important matter, because it could involve a great deal of digging up of streets and establishing telecommunications cable systems across the country. I assure my hon. Friend that our plans in that area are well advanced.

Mr. Frank Allaun

Does the Minister agree that with four channels already functioning there is enough television and that many people will not want to spend £20 a month for a bit of cable television?

Mr. Baker

When it was decided to introduce independent television, the same argument was adduced—that there was one channel already and that it was adequate. I remind the hon. Gentleman that much more than entertainment will be offered on broad band cable systems. It will be an electronic grid capable of taking a wide variety of services—educational services, remote education, services involving the local community, and services for the ethnic minorities——

Mr. William Hamilton

Come off it.

Mr. Baker

It will be a great opportunity for the people of Britain, and I am surprised that the Labour Party—if the hon. Member for Salford. East (Mr. Allaun) speaks for it—is so negative and so unappreciative of the opportunities.

Mr. Forman

Is it not unfortunate that comparatively little attention has so far been devoted to the interactive services and to that side of the technology? Will my hon. Friend ensure that his Department gives all necessary support to the technologies of the future, such as fibre optics and lasers, which are relevant here?

Mr. Baker

I assure my hon. Friend that in our proposals for cable television we shall give every opportunity to the new technologies. I shall have something to say about it when I reply to the debate on Thursday.

Mr. Golding

Will the Minister tell us now what he intends to say on Thursday? Is it not important that the House should be informed, before the debate takes place, of the Government's intentions for the long-term cabling of Britain?

Mr. Baker

I think that that would be a discourtesy to the House. It is important that on Thursday the House should be given an opportunity to express its views on some of the technological matters. I hope then to give a clear indication. I do not think that there is much dispute between us. I am sure that all hon. Members will welcome the opportunity to express their views on the broader issues of bias and the absence of political bias in broadcasting, and on the issues of pornography, public broadcasting and so on.