§ Mrs. BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with satellite television broadcasters on the inclusion of terrestrial television channels in their services. [23941]
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§ Mr. FisherGovernment have no authority to determine which services are carried by satellite broadcasters. It is for the broadcasters, including those currently broadcasting their signals terrestrially, to discuss carriage of their services direct with satellite operators. I understand, however, that the BBC and Channel 5 intend that their terrestrial services should be available on digital satellite once transmissions begin.