HC Deb 14 December 1998 vol 322 cc590-1
5. Mr. Peter L. Pike (Burnley)

What representations he has received from low-income groups regarding access to sporting events on television. [62130]

The Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting (Janet Anderson)

My right hon. Friend received more than 700 representations on access to sporting events on television during his review of the list, and a significant number expressed concern about the availability of broadcasts of major events to people on low incomes. The Government believe that broadcasts of the most important sporting events should be available to all, and for that reason my right hon. Friend announced a revised list in June, which extends protection to more events than ever before.

Mr. Pike

I welcome my hon. Friend's answer but I am sure that she will recognise that many low income families cannot afford to take children to a football match at Stamford Bridge or at even Turf Moor in her constituency. Those families depend on television to watch sport and regret that it is increasingly being shown on cable, satellite and pay per view. Will the Government ensure that people can continue to see not only the major national events but other sports throughout the year?

Janet Anderson

I understand my hon. Friend's concern and I am well aware of the price of tickets for football matches these days. However, the five terrestrial channels continue to offer coverage of all major sports. In the past few weeks, they have shown domestic and European football, the climax of the Grand Prix motor racing championship and a number of rugby union internationals in addition to the listed events for which free-to-air coverage can be protected by the Independent Television Commission.

Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York)

One low income group that finds it extremely difficult to travel to sporting events is the pensioners. What are the Government's plans to enable pensioners to see more sport on television? As the licence fee goes up, the amount of sport on television dramatically goes down.

Janet Anderson

The hon. Lady will know that we have announced a review of the licence fee. As part of that review, detailed consideration will be given to the current concessionary scheme, which we have acknowledged to be unfair and unsatisfactory.