§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to(a) encrypt the SSVC service in Cyprus and (b) provide decoders for people on the bases; what estimate he has made of the cost; and if he will make a statement. [13497]
§ Mr. Soames[holding answer 6 February 1996]: Encryption of the SSVC TV service in Cyprus is under consideration, as a means of ensuring that transmissions are not received by those who are not entitled to them under existing commercial rights agreements. The estimated cost of encrypting the TV signal and providing decoders to entitled personnel is £600,000. In addition, there would be an annual cost of about £40,000 in issuing, recovering and maintaining the decoders which would remain MOD property. No decisions will be taken about whether to proceed with encryption of the SSVC service until my Department has established if this could be cost-effective.