HC Deb 02 March 1989 vol 148 cc262-3W
26. Mr. Kirkhope

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his latest estimate of the date on which the Council of Europe convention on broadcasting will be open for signature.

Mr. Renton

We hope that the Council of Europe draft convention on transfrontier television will be agreed shortly and opened for signature within the next few months.

53. Mr. Dykes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of discussions between the United Kingdom and other European countries on the attainment of Europeanwide standards and specifications relating to broadcasting technology and contents.

Mr. Renton

The United Kingdom is co-operating, through a EUREKA project, with a number of other European countries on the development of standards for high definition television. There is also a wide range of discussions on broadcasting specifications generally in the relevant international fora. We also hope to conclude agreement shortly on the Council of Europe convention on transfrontier television which, among other things, will provide minimum standards on taste and decency.