HC Deb 18 January 1995 vol 252 cc501-2W
Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made of the number of holders of cable television licences which are currently providing community television channels; if he will identify those companies and the areas in which community channels are operating; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dorrell

The Independent Television Commission has awarded 95 licensable programme services licences, of which 35 are operational and providing local programming. Local programming is produced in Telewest's south London and Avon franchises, Devanha group's Coventry and Aberdeen franchises, Telecential's Swindon franchise, the Cable Corporation's Windsor franchise, the Comcast-managed Birmingham franchise, LCL Cable Communications' Leicester franchise, IVS Cable Holdings in Andover and in Videotron's London holdings.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what requirements are imposed on holders of cable television licences to provide community television channels.

Mr. Dorrell

Under broadcasting legislation, there are no requirements on holders of cable television franchises to provide a community service channel.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what action he is taking to ensure that the provision of local community television channels by holders of cable television licences do not become subject to the monopoly control or influence of existing news providers.

Mr. Dorrell

The cross-media ownership restrictions in the Broadcasting Act 1990 prevent local newspapers, local radio and regional Channel 3 companies from controlling cable franchises if there is a significant overlap in the areas served.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what action he is taking to ensure that all holders of cable television licences fulfil their requirement to provide a community television channel.

Mr. Dorrell

Under broadcasting legislation, there are no requirements on holders of cable television franchises to provide a community service channel.