§ Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to receive the Office of Fair Trading's report into BSkyB; and what his Department's policy is on promoting choice and competition within the digital television market. [R] [157041]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Office of Fair Trading inquiry into the activities of BSkyB was made under the Competition Act 1998. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will not therefore receive a formal report at the end of the process. The Director-General of Fair Trading will, however, keep my right hon. Friend informed of key developments. The Director-General expects to reach a view on whether or not an infringement decision should be issued against BSkyB by this summer.
The Department of Trade and Industry supports choice and competition within the digital television market by supporting the development of all three digital platforms; cable, satellite and terrestrial.