HL Deb 04 June 1998 vol 590 c48WA
Viscount Astor

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the implications of the Independent Television Commission's proposals on channel bundling in the United Kingdom pay television market; how they will impact on (a) thematic channels and (b) vertically integrated channels; and how consumer choice will be improved in each case. [HL1978]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

Following consideration of a number of competition issues relating to the practice of channel bundling in the retail pay television market, the ITC concluded that a number of anti-competitive practices exist in the retail pay television market which restrict viewer choice. The ITC is currently considering responses received to a consultation exercise on its proposed remedies and will reach its determination in due course.