Digital Switchover
Culture Media and Sport
Written answers and statements, 1 March 2005
Mr Syd Rapson (PPS (Team PPS), Ministry of Defence; Portsmouth North, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
(1) when she expects to announce the areas of the United Kingdom in which digital switchover will first take place;
(2) what criteria will be used in determining the order in which digital switchover will be introduced in the regions;
(3) if she will make a statement on her plans to implement a regional roll out of digital switchover.
Ms Estelle Morris (Minister of State (Arts), Department for Culture, Media & Sport; Birmingham, Yardley, Labour)
The Government will confirm the timetable once all the remaining issues relating to digital switchover are resolved and we are satisfied that the interests of consumers, especially the most vulnerable, are well protected.
The order in which regions will be switched off is not one for the Government: it will be based on technical criteria and agreed between broadcasters, multiplex operators and Ofcom.
We expect Ofcom to issue a statement on the indicative regional order shortly.
Ofcom have issued a statement on the indicative regional order. This is available from the Ofcom website at: www.ofcom.org.uk.