Communications Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 9:45 pm on 3 June 2003.

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Photo of Lord Avebury Lord Avebury Liberal Democrat 9:45, 3 June 2003

moved Amendment No. 250A:

Page 269, line 11, at end insert—

"(2A) The practices required by the code must include, where there is more than one version of a public service channel available on an electronic programme guide—

(a) compliance with a request from the provider of a public service channel to substitute either—

(i) the appropriate version of that public service channel as designated by the provider of the channel; or

(ii) the version of that channel selected by the viewer for substitution; for the most prominent listing of that public service channel in the relevant electronic programme guide;

(b) ensuring that, where the provider of the public service channel consents, the consumer can perform the type of selection described in paragraph (a)(ii).

(2B) In assessing the degree of prominence for the purpose of subsection (2), OFCOM must ensure that—

(a) such prominence amounts to a degree that is greater than it would have been without the giving of such guidance; and

(b) the degree of prominence at least matches the degree of prominence in existence at the date of the commencement of the Office of Communications Act 2002 (c. 11).

(2C) For the purposes of this section there is more than one version of a public service channel available if, in the service of television programmes provided, there are different programmes being broadcast or distributed at the same time for audiences in different areas, regions or nations of the United Kingdom in the same service.

(2D) OFCOM shall perform its duty to draw up a code under subsection (1) within six months at the latest of the commencement of this section."