HC Deb 31 October 1994 vol 248 cc1199-200
7. Mr. Mike O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he is next due to meet the chairman of the Independent Television Commission to discuss the future of Central Television.

Mr. Dorrell

I shall meet the chairman of the Independent Television Commission on 2 November and expect to discuss a number of broadcasting issues. The future of Central Television is a matter for the company itself.

Mr. O'Brien

Given the inadequacy of the Secretary of State's answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker), does the Minister understand that there is deep concern in the west midlands, not only about the 180 redundancies but about the breach of the licensing application promises to build a new studio? Does regional television now mean nothing? Is Birmingham to be just an outpost of the lucrative empire that Carlton runs from London?

Mr. Dorrell

No, it will not be simply an outpost of the Carlton franchise in London. It will be a separate and free-standing franchise, which the ITC will police. The key issue for viewers in the west midlands—and, indeed, for my constituents in the east midlands—is the quality of the output that is broadcast by Central Television. That must determine the future of the Channel 3 licence in the midlands.

Mr. Anthony Coombs

I agree with my right hon. Friend that the quality of the output of regional television is extremely important, but is it not also important that production takes place within the regions and within the biggest city of a region? Is it not at least regrettable, therefore, that Central Television is now reconsidering its decision to site production at Birmingham rather than at Nottingham?

Mr. Dorrell

My hon. Friend will be aware that the Broadcasting Act and the licence, granted to Central require the production of regional material, and that that material is produced within the region of the franchise. That is laid down in principle in the Act and in detail in each Channel 3 company's licence. That licence will be enforced.

Mr. Fisher

It is breaking the franchise agreement.

Mr. Dorrell

The hon. Gentleman says that Central is breaking the licence agreement. If that is true, the hon. Gentleman should report the matter to the ITC, which is responsible for enforcing the licence. If he can substantiate his charge, I have no doubt that the ITC will take appropriate action.