§ Mr. GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action she is taking to ensure that every match in the football World Cup finals in 2002 is available for live free to-air transmission. [3633]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 12 July 2001]: The whole of the World Cup finals tournament is a listed event under part IV of the Broadcasting Act 1996. Under that legislation, the Independent Television Commission will ensure that a non-free-to-air broadcaster—or a free-to-air broadcaster which covers less than 95 per cent. of the population—can show any part of the tournament live only if a free-to-air broadcaster with at least 95 per cent. coverage has either acquired similar rights, or been given the opportunity to dc so on fair and reasonable terms.
§ Mr. GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and sport what discussions she plans to hold with her counterparts in the Council of Ministers about the Kirsch 2002 football World Cup contract. [3634]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 12 July 2001]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no current plans to discuss this matter with her counterparts in the Council of Ministers.