§ 30. Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the network television broadcasting of World Cup matches in the United Kingdom. [10051]
§ Tessa JowellThe whole of the World Cup Finals tournament is protected as a listed event in the UK, reflecting its importance to many millions of people. I therefore welcome the announcement made by the BBC and ITV on 18 October that they have signed an exclusive deal to broadcast the World Cup Finals tournaments in 2002 and 2006. This deal upholds the objective of the listed events legislation and will ensure that UK viewers are able to watch the entire 2002 and 2006 tournaments live on free-to-air, terrestrial television.