HL Deb 31 July 1985 vol 467 c329WA
Lord Graham of Edmonton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in any reorganisation of the financial structure of British broadcasting as a result of the Peacock inquiry into financing the BBC and the Treasury's current re-examination of the ITV Exchequer Levy, they will insist on maintaining the distinctive regional character of independent television.

Lord Glenarthur

Under the Broadcasting Act 1981, it is for the Independent Broadcasting Authority to determine the number and extent of television contract areas. I believe that the resulting regional structure has generally been regarded as valuable. It is too early to say what, if any, changes in broadcasting arrangements might follow reports by the Committee on financing the BBC and the working group of officials which recently reviewed the structure of the levy.