§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what relative weight he gave to the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises on the selection committee for the interim franchises for cable television licences.
§ Mr. ButcherIn selecting applicants with whom to hold further discussions leading to the issue of pilot project licences, priority was given to proposals which appeared likely to offer the most positive contribution to the 133W application of advanced technology and which provided both a comprehensive range of programme services and the capability for interactive services. Other Government industrial objectives were naturally also taken into account and it is expected that the introduction of cable systems both under the pilot project scheme and longer term arrangements will stimulate the growth of small and medium sized enterprises in this field.