§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of United Kingdom homes have digital television services; when she expects(a) 50 per cent., (b) 70 per cent. and (c) 90 per cent. of homes to have digital television services; what recent discussions she has had with the retail sector about the promotion of digital television; and if she will make a statement. [28381]
§ Dr. HowellsI understand that over one third of UK homes are now accessing digital television services. I am not in a position to predict when digital television take up will reach specific levels. A Digital Television Action Plan was issued on 20 December 2001, following consultation on a Draft Plan with stakeholders from all sectors of the broadcasting industry, including the retail sector, and with representatives of consumers. The Action Plan sets out a series of actions to be taken by Government and industry, in partnership, to achieve the aim for the UK to have the most dynamic and competitive market for digital TV in the G7, as measured by take up, choice and cost, and to meet the criteria announced in September 1999 which must be met before analogue terrestrial transmissions could be switched off.