§ 23. Mr. SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers the Independent Television Commission will have to ensure that individuals found to be unfit to hold a television broadcasting licence in other countries, are prevented from involvement in television companies and channels in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. RentonMy right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced further proposals to limit broadcasting ownership on 19 May at column 317. We are considering further the detail of the enforcement powers which the ITC and radio authority will need. We envisage that, in exercising them, they will reach their own decisions rather than necessarily following those reached by regulatory bodies in other jurisdictions.
§ 36. Mr. GrocottTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received any representations supporting his policy that television franchises be auctioned.
§ Mr. RentonWe have received a number of submissions supporting the principle of competitive tender for the award of licences for commercial television and radio.