§ Mr. FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations have been received from, or on behalf of, regional newspapers in respect of the cross-media ownership proposals in the Broadcasting Bill; and if she will make a statement. [19339]
§ Mr. SproatMy Department has received a large number of letters on this issue from the local newspaper industry. Ministers and officials have met its representatives on many occasions. We have listened carefully to the industry's concerns and amended the Government's proposals in the light of them. We remain of the view, however, that limits on cross-ownership between newspapers and broadcasters are needed both at the national level and at the local level.