HC Deb 19 April 2002 vol 383 cc1215-6W
John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the implications for future broadcasting rights contracts of ITV Digital's stated inability to meet the terms of its agreement with the Football League. [50897]

Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the implications for future broadcasting rights contracts of ITV Digital's stated inability to meet the terms of its agreement with the Football League. [50898]

Dr. Howells

Subject to the requirements of the 1996 Broadcasting Act, relating to "listed events", contracts for the broadcasting rights to sports events are matters for commercial negotiations between the rightsholders and the broadcasters concerned.

John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what meetings she has had with representatives of(a) Granada plc and (b) Carlton Communications plc since ITV Digital's entry into administration; [50710]

Siobhain McDonagh

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received from the Chairmen and chief executives of(a) Granada plc and (b) Carlton Communications plc since 27 March. [50668]

Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with representatives of Granada plc and Carlton Communications plc since ITV Digital went into administration. [50847]

Dr. Howells

Over the past weeks I have been kept closely in touch by all sides involved in the ITV Digital negotiations. However the decisions taken by ITV Digital are commercial decisions for them, and them alone, to take.