HC Deb 14 December 1998 vol 322 c350W
30. Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to ensure that a higher proportion of major sporting events, with particular reference to rugby union, is accessible to all television licence payers. [62159]

Janet Anderson

Following my Department's review of listed events earlier this year, we revised the list to allow the ITC to protect free-to-air coverage of more events than ever before. The list now includes international rugby union for the first time. Matches involving the home countries in the Five Nations tournament and the whole of the Rugby Union World Cup finals tournament were included in the new list which my right hon. Friend announced on 25 June 1998,Official Report, columns 600–01.