§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to introduce secondary legislation to increase the minimum requirement for sign language on digital terrestrial television.[4777]
§ Mr. FisherMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no current plans to use the powers in the Broadcasting Act 1996 to amend the minimum requirements for sign language on digital terrestrial television. The Government will, however, monitor this issue closely taking into account, in particular, any technological advances which would make on screen signing easier for the broadcasters to provide. The Independent Television Commission has undertaken that it will regularly review all aspects of its Code on Subtitling, Sign Language and Audio Description on Digital Terrestrial Television. The Government welcomes this and will maintain close liaison with the Commission.