Children: Television

Debate between Lord Newby and Viscount Colville of Culross

Tuesday 1st July 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Newby]

My Lords, I am sure that all those arguments will be deployed forcefully by my noble friend and the industry body, which is about to begin discussions with the Treasury to make its case. The reliefs that we have introduced have led to at least one children’s TV programme—an animation in Wales called “Llan-ar-goll-en”—being granted relief, so the beginnings of relief are already in place.

[Viscount Colville of Culross (CB)]

I declare an interest as a producer at the BBC. Investment by commercial public service broadcasters in original British children’s television has collapsed by 97% in the past decade to a mere £2 million. Is the Minister not concerned by the lack of competition in the market that this is producing and the dilatory effect that it is having on our exports?

[Lord Newby]

My Lords, obviously there has been a considerable reduction in original children’s television production in the UK. There are a number of reasons for this: for instance, the ability of the independent television companies to generate income from children’s television has reduced as a result of restrictions on advertising during children’s television programmes. However, these issues will be put by the industry and considered by the Treasury.