HC Deb 02 November 1998 vol 318 cc318-20W
Jane Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Independent Television Commission about the limits under the Broadcasting Acts on the provision of digital terrestrial programming; and if he will make a statement. [57972]

Mr. Chris Smith

The Independent Television Commission has had a number of discussions with my officials outlining their concerns over the practical impact of those provisions of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (as amended by the Broadcasting Act 1996) which seek to ensure plurality in the provision of programme services to the digital terrestrial television platform during its early years. Following these representations, I am issuing today a consultation paper seeking views on proposals to use my order-making power to amend the current limits in the Broadcasting Act.

My proposals will continue to ensure plurality and diversity in the provision of programme services on digital terrestrial television but will alter the limits to which the statutory transitional arrangements apply. The proposed changes will reflect the current practicalities of the launch of digital terrestrial television and ensure that it is not impeded simply due to statutory provisions drawn up on the basis of estimates made two years ago of the number of programme services that would be available at the launch of digital terrestrial television.

I am placing copies of the consultation paper in the libraries of both Houses.

Sponsored body Role Title First Name Surname Remuneration (£)
British Library Board Chairman Dr. John Ashworth 28,363
British Library Board Member Hon. Edward Adeane 6,839
British Library Board Member Prof. Michael Anderson 6,839
British Library Board Member Mr. Anthony Bloom 6,839
British Library Board Member Sir Matthew Farrer 6,839
British Library Board Member Rt. Hon. Peter Hordern 6,839
British Library Board Member Mr. Rodney Leach 6,839
British Library Board Member Ms Penelope Lively 6,839
British Library Board Member Mr. Bernard Naylor 6,839
British Library Board Member Mr. John Riblat 6,839
British Library Board Member Mr. Paul Scherer 6,839
British Tourist Authority Chairman Dr. David Quarmby 28,305
British Tourist Authority Member Mr. Robert Ayling 7,340
British Tourist Authority Member Mr. Alan Britten 7,340
British Tourist Authority Member Mr. John Jarvis 7,340
British Tourist Authority Member Mr. Patrick McKenna 7,340
British Tourist Authority Member Mr. Des Wilson 7,340
Broadcasting Standards Commission Chairman Lady Elspeth Howe 45,210
Broadcasting Standards Commission Deputy Chairman Ms Jane Leighton 35,990
Broadcasting Standards Commission Deputy Chairman Mrs. Suzanne Warner 35,990
Broadcasting Standards Commission Member Ms Danielle Barr 14,450
Broadcasting Standards Commission Member Mr. David Boulton 14,450
Broadcasting Standards Commission Member Dr. Fiona Caldicott 14,450
Broadcasting Standards Commission Member Mr. Strachan Heppell 14,450
Broadcasting Standards Commission Member Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin 14,450
Broadcasting Standards Commission Member Mr. Robert Kernohan 14,450
Broadcasting Standards Commission Member Mr. John Lang 14,450
Broadcasting Standards Commission Member Mrs. Susan Lloyd 14,450
Broadcasting Standards Commission Member Ms Sally O'Sullivan 14,450
Broadcasting Standards Commission Member Mrs. Sioned Wyn Thomas 14,450
English Heritage Chairman Sir Jocelyn Stevens 74,375 pr
English Heritage Commissioner Ms Amanda Arrowsmith 12,160–15,150
English Heritage Commissioner Mrs. Bridget Cherry 12,160–15,150
English Heritage Commissioner Mr. Andrew Fane 12,160–15,150
English Heritage Commissioner Lord Charles Faringdon 12,160–15,150
English Heritage Commissioner Prof. Eric Fernie 12,160–15,150
English Heritage Commissioner Lady Elizabeth Gass 12,160–15,150
English Heritage Commissioner HRH Duke of Gloucester 22,160–15,150
English Heritage Commissioner Mr. Loyd Grossman 12,160–15,150
English Heritage Commissioner Mrs. Candida Lycett Green 12,160–15,150
English Heritage Commissioner Ms Kirsty McLeod 12,160–15,150
English Heritage Commissioner Mr. Richard Morris 12,160–15,150
English Heritage Commissioner Miss Susan Underwood 12,160–15,150
English Sports Council Acting Chairman Mr. Trevor Brooking 22,343
English Sports Council Vice-Chairman Mr. Gerald Dennis 13,463
English Tourist Board Chairman Dr. David Quarmby 28,305