§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to ensure people living in Wales will be able to receive digital terrestrial television. [29683]
§ Mr. FisherDigital terrestrial television will be able to deliver digital services to the majority of the population. The Independent Television Commission estimates that 74 per cent. of the Welsh population will be in the reception area of digital terrestrial services once the launch phase comprising 81 transmitters across the UK is complete. The coverage of digital services beyond the 81 sites is one of the issues looked at in the Government's consultation paper "Television: the Digital Future" published on 12 February. We are seeking views on the extension of digital transmissions beyond the initial planned 81 sites, and examining the possibility of extending access to digital services by using other broadcasting technologies.