HL Deb 20 March 2001 vol 623 c151WA
Lord Cocks of Hartcliffe

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many meetings the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has had with representatives from commercial broadcasting organisations to consider and hear representations in connection with the consultation for new BBC digital services. [HL1160]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State has had two such meetings.

Lord Cocks of Hartcliffe

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport will make a decision regarding the BBC's proposed digital channels; and whether the Secretary of State is either obliged to, or is intending to, take account of any other political, commercial, or media considerations before reaching a final decision. [HL1161]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State will reach a decision as soon as he has considered all the evidence. The issues he will take into account are set out in the department's guidelines for assessing BBC public service proposals which were published on 10 January. Copies were placed in the Libraries of both Houses.