§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the decision by the Italian Government to legislate for analogue switchover in 2006; and what discussions officials from his Department have had with the Italian Government concerning their decision. [159599]
§ Janet AndersonIt is not for me to comment on a decision taken by the Italian Government about a matter of domestic policy. However, my officials have had informal discussions with their Italian colleagues, which emphasised the differences between the broadcasting markets of the two countries.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the Government's criteria to be met before analogue switchover occurs will be applied on a regional basis. [159598]
§ Janet AndersonThe criteria we have set out for digital switchover are UK-wide. Whether it will be appropriate to proceed on a regional basis will depend on the speed of take-up across the country.
488W
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he(a) is taking and (b) intends to take to promote digital television; and if he will make a statement on his target date for the switching off of the analogue transmitters. [159601]
§ Janet AndersonInitiatives such as the digital television labelling scheme, the digital neighbourhood trials and plans to increase the power of digital signals on eight key transmitters have recently been announced. We will continue to work with broadcasters, manufacturers, and retailers on the promotion of digital television. The target timetable for switchover to digital television remains at 2006–10.