HL Deb 24 September 2002 vol 638 cc202-3WA
Baroness Howe of Idlicote

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the increases in broadcasting capacity delivered by increasing use of digital technology; and what implications they have identified as a result of that increase in capacity for the continuation of the statutory ban on Christian organisations owning broadcasting licences. [HL5656]

Baroness Blackstone

The Government recognise that the capacity for providing broadcast services on all delivery platforms has increased significantly through digital technology. The Government's position is set out in the documentThe draft Communications Bill—The Policy which states that, where there is sufficient spectrum availability, restrictions on religious bodies holding licences will be removed (paragraph 9.3.3). The growth of digital TV and radio broadcasting has helped reduce spectrum constraints, but limitations do remain. The Government's aim is to ensure that the limited spectrum available is distributed so as to satisfy as many viewers/listeners as possible and to avoid giving one religion an unfair advantage over another so that everyone's beliefs are equally respected. We have decided to lift the present prohibitions on religious ownership of certain television licences (digital programme service, digital additional service and restricted service licences) and in relation to radio, the local digital sound programme service licence, where (as noted in the Communications White Paper) the disqualification in relation to religious bodies is an anomaly in the present legislation.

Lord Kilclooney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there is spectrum scarcity in the digital environment; and why there is a statutory ban on religious organisations having a range of broadcasting licences. [HL5736]

Baroness Blackstone

The Government recognise that the capacity for providing broadcast services on all delivery platforms has increased significantly through digital technology. The Government's position is set out in the documentThe draft Communications Bill—The Policy which states that, where there is sufficient spectrum availability, restrictions on religious bodies holding licences will be removed (paragraph 9.3.3). The growth of digital TV and radio broadcasting has helped reduce spectrum constraints, but limitations do remain. The Government's aim is to ensure that the limited spectrum available is distributed so as to satisfy as many viewers/listeners as possible, and to avoid giving one religion an unfair advantage over another so that everyone's beliefs are equally respected. We have decided to lift the present prohibitions on religious ownership of certain television licences (digital programme service, digital additional service and restricted service licences) and in relation to radio, the local digital sound programme service licence, where (as noted in the Communications White Paper) the disqualification in relation to religious bodies is an anomaly in the present legislation.

Lord Kilclooney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the European Court of Human Rights intends to consider an application about the ban on religious organisations having a range of broadcasting licences; and when a decision could be expected. [HL5737]

Baroness Blackstone

I understand that the European Court of Human Rights has received an application in relation to religious ownership of broadcasting licences. However, it is a matter for the Court as to when or whether it considers an application.