What recent discussions he has had with representatives of the broadcasting industry in Scotland on the Government's plans for local television networks.

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the likely effects in Scotland of the implementation of the Government's proposals for local television networks.

Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have met broadcasters to discuss a range of issues. We also have regular exchanges on broadcasting with ministerial colleagues.

Given the inevitable adverse implications for the BBC's programme-making budget of the massive real-terms cut in the licence fee, is it not more important than ever for us to encourage television production from all sources in Scotland? Can the Minister update me on the progress of the plan initiated by the last Government to grant qualifying independent producer status to STV?

I am aware of the hon. Gentleman's interest and expertise in broadcasting in Scotland. In answer to his question, I can tell him that an announcement will be made shortly.

Local television is popular, and will make a real difference to communities in Scotland. The Minister will be aware that even the Scottish Government's own Scottish Broadcasting Commission has concluded that television should remain a reserved matter. Will the Minister undertake to work with his DCMS colleagues to ensure that any framework resulting from the Shott review takes account of Scotland's specific needs?

I agree with my hon. Friend. It was interesting to note that both the broadcasting commission established by the SNP Government and the Calman commission concluded that broadcasting should remain reserved. Nicholas Shott has visited Scotland, and has met various interested parties in the broadcasting sector there. I am sure that Scotland's particular needs will be taken into account when his final report is issued later this year.

The television channel BBC Alba manages to be both local and national, but its funds are already parsimonious, and it is able to broadcast for only part of the day. May we have a assurance from the Government that its funding-already cut to the marrow-will be defended, and that the process of putting it on to Freeview, which has been delayed still further, will be sorted out soon?

The hon. Gentleman will be pleased to learn that I shall visit the offices of BBC Alba during a visit to the Western Isles on 5 November. The Freeview issue is clearly one for the BBC Trust, but I understand that it has not yet made a decision.