HC Deb 01 April 1996 vol 275 cc12-4
13. Mr. Martlew

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations she has received from Border Television with regard to the Broadcasting Bill. [21904]

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Since publication of the Bill, Ministers in my Department have discussed the Bill's provisions with the chief executive of Border Television, both individually and as part of a delegation from the holders of the licences for the five least populous channel 3 regions.

Mr. Martlew

I have expressed before my concern that the Broadcasting Bill will allow the takeover of Border Television and result in a loss of jobs in my constituency and the loss of quality programmes. Many of the small ITV companies carry programmes that are subsidised by the high-cost network schedule programming system. Will the Secretary of State confirm that that system will continue until at the very least the end of the licensing period or beyond?

Mrs. Bottomley

It is, indeed, an important issue about which many hon. Members will be concerned. It is important to protect the position of the smaller ITV companies and the element of regional identity that they give channel 3's output. I pay tribute to companies like Border Television, which often exceeds its required regional programming output and sustains the loyalty of viewers throughout its varied licence area. I think that the hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Broadcasting Bill already allows the Independent Television Commission to require any new owner of a channel 3 licence to maintain existing levels and standards of regional broadcasting. We intend also to amend the Bill to require the ITC to disallow any change to the ITV networking arrangements which would jeopardise any company's regional output.

Mr. Harry Greenway

What view does my right hon. Friend take of Rupert Murdoch's decision to make Sky Sport's subscribers pay extra to watch the recent Bugner fight? [HON. MEMBERS: "Bruno!"] Does she regard that as the start of payment in the slot for television?

Madam Speaker

Order. That question bears no relation to the Broadcasting Bill.

Mrs. Bottomley

We are about to embark on an extremely complex Broadcasting Bill. By the time that we complete it, perhaps there will be greater clarity among all hon. Members about its provisions and the opportunities. There has been a massive amount of sport on television in recent years—it has developed rapidly. The extension, not only to subscription, but pay-per-view television is something that the new channels will make possible. What is important is to safeguard sufficient sport for the terrestrial television channels, which everyone watches. I think that their Lordships have safeguarded that in the amendment that they passed in another place.

Mr. Davidson

Is the Secretary of State aware that Border Television, which covers parts of England and Scotland, does not give Scottish politics adequate coverage, particularly Scottish questions in the House? Is she aware that many Scots living in the Border Television area are deprived of seeing Scottish Members of Parliament in action at Scottish Question Time? May I refer in particular to my mother, who is most concerned, as she lives in Galashiels, that she does not have the opportunity to see me on Scottish questions? Will the right hon. Lady do something about that right away?

Mrs. Bottomley

We are the party of the family and we would certainly want the hon. Gentleman's mother to be happy on all possible occasions. I will pass on his comments to the ITC. When it comes to Opposition Members, I am not sure whether it is a question of impartiality or of taste and decency.