HC Deb 29 November 1982 vol 33 cc23-4W
29. Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he is yet able to make a statement on the cabling of Great Britain.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friends the Members for Thanet, East (Mr. Aitken) and Hastings (Mr. Warren) earlier today.

35. Mr. Richard Page

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he has investigated the extent to which British companies will be able to take advantage of the opportunities which a decision to go ahead with cable television in Great Britain will offer; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

Ministers and officials in the Department of Industry have had numerous meetings and exchanges of correspondence with representatives of the industrial sectors likely to be affected by and to benefit from the introduction of wide band cable systems. The finance for investment in cable must come from the private sector, but companies engaged in cable TV would be eligible to apply for grants for research and development and other financial support under the Industry Acts.