Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour) on Thursday, 26 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 November 2000. It was answered by Janet Anderson (Labour) on Monday, 6 November 2000 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make it his policy to allow BBC licence payers a discount if they are unable to receive BBC digital services; and if he will make a statement. (Further information on 06.11.2000 at 356 c60W).

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make it his policy to allow BBC licence payers a discount if they are unable to receive BBC digital services; and if he will make a statement. [135907] Janet Anderson: No. In February this year, in announcing its proposals for the future funding of the BBC, the Government made clear that they had opted for a unified television licence fee covering all the BBC's services, rather than differential fees for analogue and digital viewers. The Government estimate that the switch over to digital television will take place this decade, so the time has come to recognise that digital will soon be the norm.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 356 c60W; 135907
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: BBC Digital broadcasting Broadcasting reception Fees and charges Licensing
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk