Written question asked by Andrew Turner (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 July 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 July 2010. It was answered by Stuart Bell (Labour) on Monday, 19 July 2010 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit

Question: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the House of Commons Commission what recent representations he has received on the level of charges levied by the Board of the Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit; and if the Commission will review the effect of such charges on the ability of (a) Isle of Wight Radio and (b) other small independent broadcasters' to use short clips of parliamentary business in news reports.

Answer: No representations have been received. Television coverage during the first 14 days is licensed and distributed by PARBUL; television coverage after 14 days and all audio coverage is licensed and distributed by the Parliamentary Recording Unit. The licensing portion of the charge to broadcasters for the provision of television coverage of parliamentary proceedings after 14 days has now been ended, leaving only the duplicating charge. This will give independent broadcasters easier access to parliamentary proceedings. Audio-only content for broadcast radio use within the 14 day period will be treated in the same way.

Secondary information