HL Deb 25 October 1993 vol 549 cc715-6

3.15 p.m.

Lord Thomson of Monifieth asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any proposals for changes in the ownership rules for commercial television contractors under the Broadcasting Act 1990.

Baroness Trumpington

No, my Lords, but my right honourable friend the Secretary of State is continuing to consider the points made to him during discussions he had with the Independent Television Commission and the ITV companies.

Lord Thomson of Monifieth

My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for that Answer. Is she aware that there is a good deal of pressure from some ITV companies for premature action to change the rules relating to takeover bids within ITV, although the system has been operating for less than a year? Would it not be wiser for the Government to take a long view of this problem, wait for 1996, when the BBC charter has to be renewed, and reshape British broadcasting—terrestrial and satellite, BBC, ITV and Mr. Murdoch—as a whole?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, that is one of the options put to us for consideration.

Lord Stallard

My Lords, is the Minister satisfied that existing rules are able to prevent undue dominance by particular shareholders?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, there is no monopoly, if that is the expression that the noble Lord seeks to get from me. The ITC has licensed over 70 cable and satellite channels so far, with many different ownerships. This is my first appearance answering for the department to which the Question is addressed. I had been worried that I might get my knickers in a twist; the noble Lord would be the one.

Lord Donoughue

My Lords, I shall continue to resist the many temptations that the Minister puts before us. While I am impressed by the relaxed approach that she takes to the Question of the noble Lord, Lord Thomson of Monifieth, will she confirm that there are only nine weeks to go until the end of the moratorium which protects British regional television companies from takeover by continental predators, although there is no practical possibility of reciprocal British takeover of the Europeans? Does she agree that this is an intolerable situation; that the industry needs a further period of stability; and that she should cease dithering and make an announcement of long-term policy?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, as the noble Lord said, it is perfectly true that the ownership rules have been in operation only since January. They were very carefully considered and extensively debated in both Houses. The rules are intended to allow a range of ownership while allowing economies of scale to provide diversity and choice for viewers and listeners. EC member states should not treat their own nationals more favourably than those from other member states. We believe that such action is contrary to the Treaty of Rome. Our ownership rules do not discriminate against other EC states.

Lord Donoughue

My Lords, before the Minister sits down, do I take it that that answer means that the Government intend to do nothing about the moratorium?

Baroness Trumpington

My Lords, that is not at all what I said. I said that the matter is still under consideration.

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