§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he plans to make available to blind and partially sighted people equipment for the reception of audio described programmes for digital TV. [150270]
§ Janet AndersonNo. The Government's role is to set the legislative framework within which audio description and other services for people with sensory impairments can be provided. Requiring broadcasters to meet statutory targets is the most effectve and practicable way to ensure the provision and expansion of these services. We have recently announced plans to increase the target for subtitling on digital terrestrial television (DTT) to 80 per cent. of programming and to extend the current targets for subtitling, signing and audio description on DTT to digital cable and digital satellite when legislation permits. We also introduced half-price television licences for the blind last April.