§ Dr. WhiteheadTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has held with the Kirch group about their proposals to restrict the viewing of World cup 2002 matches to pay-per-view only. [159830]
§ Kate HoeyWe understand that the Kirch group intends to hold an open auction for the live UK broadcasting rights to the 2002 World cup finals tournament but that they intend to comply with the UK listed event legislation. Through correspondence and a meeting with officials, we have made the Kirch group fully aware of the extent of this legislation: that the whole of the World cup finals tournament (all 64 matches) is a listed event, and that any broadcaster purchasing live rights from Kirch would have to comply with the provisions of the 1996 Broadcasting Act.