Written question asked by John Whittingdale (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 November 2002. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 21 November 2002 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 she has satisfied herself that UK History is distinctive from the History channel and will not compete unfairly with it.

Answer: Mr. Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she has satisfied herself that UK History is distinctive from the History channel and will not compete unfairly with it. [80429] Dr. Howells: Unlike the BBC's licence fee funded channels, there is no requirement that BBC Worldwide's commercial channels are distinctive. As a commercial channel, UK History can compete on a commercial basis in the same way as any channel, subject to all the requirements of EU and UK Competition Law, as well as the BBC's Fair Trading Commitment and Commercial Policy Guidelines.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 80429; 394 c233W;394 c231W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Competition Digital broadcasting Competition law History Television Television channels BBC Worldwide UKTV
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk