HC Deb 11 May 1999 vol 331 cc98-9W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if it is the Government's policy that the television licence fee for televisions capable of receiving digital transmissions should be the same as for televisions only capable of receiving analogue transmissions. [83825]

Janet Anderson

The level of the licence fee for colour and black and white television sets will be determined until 2001–02 under a five year formula linked to RPI announced in December 1996. The review panel chaired by Gavyn Davies is considering, against an expectation that the licence fee will remain the principal source of funding for public services for the BBC Charter period to 2006, ways in which funding to support public service output can be extended from other sources. The review will report by the end of July 1999 and the Government will then consult on its findings.