§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what way he envisages the United Kingdom taking advantage of the 10 television channels which will be facilitated in the mid-1980s by the launching of European communication satellites.
Mr. BrttanThe regulatory arrangements for direct television broadcasting by satellite were established at an international conference held in 1977. The United Kingdom, in common with other European nations, has been allocated frequencies for five television channels.
The Government are well aware of the possibilities offered by direct broadcasting satellites, but have no plans for additional television channels beyond the fourth channel for which arrangements are now being made. The situation will, however, be kept under review.