Written question asked by Kim Howells (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 March 1997. It was answered by Iain Sproat (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of National Heritage.

Dept of National Heritage

Question: What restrictions exist on television companies in receipt of public funds bidding against each other to broadcast sports events. - (Holding answer 18 March 1997).

Answer: Dr. Howells: To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what restrictions exist on television companies in receipt of public funds bidding against each other to broadcast sports events. [20716] Mr. Sproat: [holding answer 18 March 1997]: The obligations placed on the BBC and the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority in respect of their broadcasting services, which are set out in the royal charter and agreement and the 1990 Broadcasting Act respectively, do not impinge on the freedom of these broadcasters to negotiate for programme rights to sports events.

Secondary information