§ Mr. Peter AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will take steps to seek to ensure that ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 can continue to be received free of charge by digital satellite television. [130011]
§ Estelle Morris[holding answer 16 September 2003]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has written to the chief executives of ITV, Channel Four and Five to ask them how they intend to solve this very serious issue. Their responses indicate they are considering various options. We are very closely monitoring their discussions, which I understand are making progress, and while it will not be appropriate to comment on current commercial negotiations, I will place details of their outcome on our website www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk.