§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received on the regional dimension to public service broadcasting; and if she will make a statement. [47932]
§ Dr. HowellsI have received representations from 25 hon. Members on the future of ITV regional programming. I understand that five members of the public have also raised this subject with my Department.
The Government's proposals to retain and to strengthen the regional dimension to public service broadcasting to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of different communities and cultural interests were set out in the White Paper "A New Future for Communications". The necessary provisions will be included in the forthcoming Communications Bill.