Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Oppenheim-Barnes (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 1 May 2007.

Television: Quiz Programmes

Question: My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. Is he aware that one of the worst aspects was the complacent attitude of Ofcom when questioned about it? Will he remind Ofcomthat the terrestrial channels are licensed for public entertainment and news, not gambling? Will he support the Gambling Commission, which has complained bitterly about the proliferation of phoney gambling quizzes on terrestrial channels, and tell Ofcom that it must pay attention to this and take much more drastic steps than it has planned?

Answer: My Lords, I accept what the noble Baroness says, but ICTSTIS is the prime mover with responsibility for covering premium phone rates, the main anxiety in recent months. That does not mean that Ofcom ought to be complacent. It is not; it is also committing itself to action, but the initial moves will come from ICSTIS in investigating and establishing the nature of the problem. Whatis certain is that the whole of television, to say nothing of the viewing public, can only gainfrom full restoration of trust in the fairness of such programmes.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 691 c962
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Fraud Fees and charges Gambling Ofcom Regulation Television Telephone services Unfair practices
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk