§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if companies wishing to bid for the Channel 5 licence are allowed to do so on the basis of a digital transmission system; and if such bids will receive full consideration by the Independent Television Commission.
§ Mr. Dorrell[holding answer 1 November 1994]: The award of the Channel 5 licence is a matter for the Independent Television Commission. Procedures for awarding licences are set out in the Broadcasting Act 1990. The invitation to apply for Channel 5 issued by the ITC does not preclude an applicant from proposing the use of digital transmission. I am sure that any application made on this basis will receive due consideration.