§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions786W she has had with the producers of videos about the provision of sub-titles for the hard of hearing; and if she will make a statement. [84862]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 2 December 2002]: My officials have been in contact with a number of organisations, primarily the Film Council and British Video Association, the BBC, ITV and the ITC and, via the Broadcasters Disability Network, ITFC Ltd, a company which produces sub-titling for both broadcasters and DVD production houses. We have been looking at the current availability of equipment and videos, and emphasising the importance which we attach to access for the hard of hearing. DVDs normally include sub-titles.