If he will make a statement on his powers to intervene in proposed takeovers of regional television stations. [114855]

My powers in this area are laid down in the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996. They are limited to order-making powers to amend detailed provisions within the Acts. I therefore have no direct power to intervene in a proposed takeover of regional television stations, which is a matter for the Independent Television Commission and the Office of Fair Trading. However, the importance of regional content, regional programme making and the regional flavour of programmes, which were an integral part of the franchises initially awarded to the ITV companies, must remain firmly in place.

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. He is well aware of my Opposition to the possible takeover of Border Television. Does he agree that Border Television's licence is unique, in that it covers the full length of the Anglo-Scottish border, and that it would be very difficult for a company based in Glasgow, Manchester or London to replicate the excellent provision that we get on the border at the moment? Does he also agree that takeovers such as the one proposed should be discouraged? If it goes ahead, will he give a guarantee that local content of programmes will continue as now and that some job security will be given to my constituents?

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to identify the particular character of Border Television. It covers both the southern part of Scotland and the northern part of England, and operates in a genuinely cross-border manner. That was the nature of the franchise that was awarded in the first place. Whoever takes the franchise over and whatever happens in the current negotiations, that character must remain clearly in place. I shall expect the ITC to uphold that firmly. I do not want to see identikit programming across the world of ITV, because we must have a proper, regional character to the programmes that we receive on that popular channel.

Will the Secretary of State see to it that regional television stations are not taken over by interests outwith the United Kingdom, but remain firmly in local hands?

That is ultimately a matter for the ITC, the Office of Fair Trading and the competition authorities, and not for me. However, I am sure that those bodies will take careful note of the hon. Gentleman's point.

Will the Secretary of State join me in paying tribute to Tyne Tees Television and Yorkshire Television, which cover my Constituency? When I was Noddy in my pram, I was brought up on Tyne Tees Television and, like the hon. Member for Carlisle (Mr. Martlew), I am concerned by the proposed takeover and the impact that it might have on local and regional coverage. Can he give a commitment to the House that he will make representations to the decision takers to ensure that the franchise is respected?

The franchises must be respected: the hon. Lady is right. For example, Yorkshire Television makes "Emmerdale", Carlton, which used to be Central, makes "Peak Practice", and Granada makes "Coronation Street". All those programmes have a strong regional character, they are part of the wealth of the fabric of television in this country, and we must protect that.