§ Lord Thomson of Monifiethasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which television channels have been made the subject of a proscription order under Section 177 of the Broadcasting Act 1990 relating to the broadcast of unacceptable pornographic material; how many of them are still broadcasting into the United Kingdom; and how many prosecutions there have been for criminal offences under Section 177. [HL3584]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyFive foreign satellite television channels have been proscribed under the Broadcasting Act 1990. They are: Red Hot Television (in 1993); XXX TV Erotica (1995); Rendez-Vous Television (1996); Satisfaction Club Television (1997); and Eurotica Rendez-Vous (1998). Of these, the Government understand that only Satisfaction Club Television and Eurotica Rendez-Vous are still offering a service. The Independent Television Commission, in accordance with Section 177 of the 1990 Broadcasting Act, has notified the Secretary of State that Eros TV is an unacceptable service. The Government have now, in accordance with the provisions of Article 2a of the Broadcasting Directive, notified the parties concerned, with a view, in the first instance, of reaching an amicable settlement. If this is not possible, the Secretary of State will consider making a proscription order against Eros TV. Prosecutions under the Act are matters for the police authorities; information is not held centrally.