§ Mr. Colemanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment Her Majesty's Government have made of the implications of transnational satellite television broadcasting for the operation of current legislation governing the presentation of political issues in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorIn principle, the implications are similar to those affecting radio which has crossed frontiers for many years. Most transnational television services offer general entertainment and do not present political issues. Obviously, United Kingdom laws and the regulatory authorities cannot touch transmissions from outside our jurisdiction. Where such services are re-transmitted over cable systems in this country, the Cable Authority has certain regulatory powers concerning the impartiality of news and the presentation of views on matters of political controversy or current public policy. Discussion of a common European system for regulating trans-frontier broadcasting is continuing within the European Community and the Council of Europe.