§ 19. Mark TamiTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department will take to ensure that BBC3 does not dilute the quality of programmes on BBC1 and BBC2. [85588]
§ Dr. HowellsMy right hon. Friend's approval for BBC3 includes strong and wide-ranging conditions to ensure that the channel is distinctive and innovative. These include specific requirements that delivery of the BBC3 schedule must not be at the expense of programmes on BBC 1 and 2 for the same age group, and that new programmes commissioned for BBC3 will be made available to enhance programming on BBC1 and BBC2.