§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the European Commission's proposed directive on media concentration; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the concept of cross-European media regulations. [39234]
§ Mr. SproatThe European Commission has not yet put forward proposals for a directive in this area, but has instead undertaken a series of consultations among member states and other interested parties. The Government's position is set out in our response to EC questionnaire No. III on "Pluralism and Media Concentration in the Internet Market", which is available in the Library of the House. Our view is that the media industry cannot be treated on the same basis as other sectors of the economy. Ownership restrictions are an essential safeguard for plurality and diversity and, as such, are distinct from the separate question of controls on anti-competitive behaviour. We believe that member states are best placed to assess where the balance lies in securing both economic and cultural objectives, and do not therefore support the case for introducing harmonising legislation at the European level.