HC Deb 18 December 1980 vol 996 cc261-2W
Sir Harold Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether, in view of the impending approach of the Christmas season, he will announce a 60-day grace period before announcing his decisions in respect of the licensing of cable subscription television;

(2) what studies he has made of the open skies policy adopted by the Netherlands, France and other members of the European Economic Community in respect of cable subscription television licences;

(3) what research he has conducted on pilot schemes of subscription television over cable systems; and whether he will make a statement;

(4) what is the date on which cable subscription television licences are to be issued; and whether he will give an assurance that these will not he confined to existing cable operators, owners or licensees;

(5) what consultations he has had on the question of cable subscription television licences with entrepreneurs other than existing cable operators, owners or licensees.

Mr. Whitelaw

On 10 November, in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Hereford (Mr. Shepherd), I announced that I had decided to license about 12 pilot schemes of subscription television over cable systems for an initial period of two years and I set out the general requirements to be met by the licensees.—[Vol. 992, c.3–5.] I made it clear that applications for licences would be considered only from existing licensees of broadcast relay systems, either on their own or in association with organisations providing material for subscription television services.

My decision to license these pilot schemes in this way was reached after full consideration of some 50 replies received from the individuals and organisations that responded to the Home Office consultation document of 18 February 1980 on this subject which was sent to all interested parties, including the film industry. A list of those consulted has been placed in the Library of the House. I am also aware of the results of the earlier Pay-TV experiments which took place in London and Sheffield in the 1960s and the development of Pay-TV in the United States. In addition, I am taking careful note of developments among other members of the European Community.

My intention is to get information about the operation of subscription services in the United Kingdom in an initial period of two years. Only existing cable systems can be licensed if this information is to be obtained speedily. I will consider towards the end of the two-year period, in the light of experience of the operation of the schemes and other relevant factors, and after consultation with interested parties, whether subscription television should be permitted to continue and expand on a permanent basis; and, if so, what arrangements should be made for its supervision and operation. The imposition of any new condition, including the imposition of a levy for the benefit of the film industry, and any additional safeguards needed to protect the cinema and television broadcasting services, will also he decided in the light of my review.

I cannot at this stage indicate when my decisions on licences will be announced, but I would not want this to be delayed beyond the time needed for me to give due consideration to applications, which I have said should be received by 31 December.