Regional Broadcasting (East Midlands)

Part of the debate – in Westminster Hall at 3:47 pm on 30 March 2004.

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Photo of Andy Reed Andy Reed Labour/Co-operative, Loughborough 3:47, 30 March 2004

I understand the commercial arguments that the Minister is putting forward and the difficulty in intervening in such matters. However, quality is the one thing that seems to be missing from what has been said. Is she really convinced by what Ofcom, ITV and Carlton have been trying to tell us; that is, that the quality of local coverage can be guaranteed by the proposals that have been put forward? Personally, I do not believe them, so there is an issue at dispute. I am sure that my hon. Friend Mr. Meale will be able to say in more detail why that will not happen. Is the Minister convinced that Ofcom is playing a proactive part? I know that it has a light touch, but to have no touch at all seems completely the wrong way to deal with the matter.