§ Mr. Peter Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to be able to announce the timetable for tendering for the Independent Television franchises due to end in 1989.
§ Mr. MellorAs my right hon. Friend made clear in announcing the Government's initial response to the Peacock committee's report, we are anxious that the option for change in the arrangements for the award of Independent Television contracts should remain open. This would not be the case if the IBA arranges new contracts to take effect from the beginning of 1990 for the maximum of eight years permitted under present law. Accordingly, my right hon. Friend has been considering with the IBA possible alternative arrangements under which contracts would be awarded for a shorter period. He hopes to be able to announce his conclusions before too long.
§ Mr. Peter Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration his Department has given to separating the Teletext service, and subscription user group facilities, from the Independent Television programme franchises after 1989.
§ Mr. MellorWe shall be looking at these matters, amongst others, in our consideration of the report of the Committee on Financing the BBC.