Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when Channel 5 television is expected to commence broadcasting; when the service will be available in Northern Ireland; which regions of Northern Ireland will(a) receive and (b) be unable to receive Channel 5 television programmes; and if she will make a statement. [6919]
§ Mr. SproatThe start date for Channel 5 is a matter for the Independent Television Commission, which is responsible for licensing it. The Commission has indicated that the service must start simultaneously in a minimum of two major areas, no later than 1 January 1997. The transmission plan for Channel 5 includes two sites for Northern Ireland: Black Mountain, which is predicted to be able to serve about 670,000 people, and Londonderry, with around 70,000 people. Predicted coverage maps for these sites are available from the commission. The timing of the provision of the service in Northern Ireland will depend on the completion of international frequency co-ordination discussions