HC Deb 31 January 2000 vol 343 cc474-5W
18. Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the role of public service broadcasting. [105954]

Mr. Chris Smith

Public service broadcasting must remain at the heart of our broadcasting system. Despite the increase in choice which digital television brings, we will continue to need public service broadcasters to sustain a diversity of viewpoints and to act as a quality benchmark.