HC Deb 26 February 1996 vol 272 cc300-1W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 8 February,Official Report, column 358, from what sources it is proposed to raise the estimated cost of encrypting and providing decoding equipment for the SSVC television service in Cyprus; and what are the estimated numbers of expatriates in Cyprus who will not be entitled to a decoding device. [15905]

Mr. Soames

If it is decided to provide an encrypted SSVC television service in Cyprus and to supply the necessary decoders to the entitled audience, the costs will be met from the Defence budget.

I am unable to give an estimate of the number of expatriates in Cyprus who view SSVC television and would not be entitled to receive a decoding device if the television service were encrypted.