§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will make a statement on his policy towards the future regulation of programme output on(a) BBC1 and (b) ITV; [97591]
(2) what plans he has to improve regulation of satellite television providers. [97589]
§ Janet Anderson[holding answer 8 November 1999]: Regulation of programme output on BBC One is a matter for the BBC's Board of Governors and on ITV and satellite broadcasters for the Independent Television Commission. The ITC are currently conducting an audit of regulatory burdens on commercial broadcasters. My Department and the DTI are separately about to undertake 625W a fundamental reassessment of broadcasting and communications regulation with a view to possible major legislation early in the next Parliament.