Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 March 1997. It was answered by Iain Sproat (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of National Heritage.

Dept of National Heritage

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if Channel 5 will be able to be received throughout Pendle; and if she will make a statement. [19579] Mr. Sproat: Copies of maps showing the predicted initial coverage of Channel 5 broadcasts from terrestrial transmitters were placed in the Libraries of both Houses on 23 October 1996. The closest transmitter to the hon. Member's constituency which will transmit Channel 5 is Winter Hill. It is estimated that this transmitter will not provide a service throughout the Pendle constituency. However, some residents in the south-west of the constituency who are on the edge of the predicted coverage area may receive an acceptable service. The Government have always acknowledged that viewers in several parts of the country will not be able to receive Channel 5. It is, however, open to Channel 5 Broadcasting Ltd. to enhance its coverage in future by other delivery means, including cable, satellite and digital terrestrial transmissions.

Secondary information