§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the timetable for the proposed switch-off of analogue television. [86]
§ Tessa Jowell[holding answer 25 June 2001]: The Government will maintain analogue terrestrial broadcasts until everyone who can currently receive the main public service broadcasting channels in analogue form can receive them on digital systems, switching to digital is an affordable option for the vast majority of people, and, as a target indicator of affordability, 95 per cent. of consumers have access to digital equipment. We are committed to develop a strategic plan which will lead the UK to meet these criteria on affordability, availability and accessibility within the period 2006 and 2010.