Digital Radio and Television

HC Deb 24 October 2002 vol 391 cc441-2W

Kevin Brennan

To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee if he will take steps to provide to hon. Members the facility of digital radio and television coverage from the nations and regions of the United Kingdom. [77030]

Mr. Fabricant

The special annunciator televisions on the Parliamentary video network have 24 channels. The Information Committee reflects the views of hon. Members on how these channels should be used, and it considers individual representations. The radio and television programmes from which the selection can be made at reasonable cost are those transmitted by satellite to the London area. Channel 22 on the annunciator already carries the Welsh station S4C2. However, not all regional broadcasters make their local news programmes available by satellite, and the cost to the House of providing a specialised television landline link to regional television stations from Westminster would be prohibitive.