HC Deb 02 May 2002 vol 384 c922W
26. Mrs. Lawrence

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she is taking to guarantee the future of all three platforms for delivery of digital broadcasting. [52028]

Mr. Alexander

The Digital Television Action Plan sets out a wide range of tasks to be undertaken by Government and stakeholders in order to achieve our aim for the UK to have the most dynamic and competitive market for digital TV in the G7, and to enable us to meet the criteria set for the switchover from analogue to digital terrestrial transmissions. The action plan is based on our commitment to enabling consumers to have a choice, wherever possible, of the means by which they access their digital services. Where Government have a principal role to play, as in ensuring that the digital terrestrial platform has sufficient spectrum available to it to enable it to compete effectively, we will do so. However, it is up to the broadcasters and others involved in the provision of digital television services to make the most of what each platform can offer.