Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Bryant Excerpts
Thursday 16th June 2011

(13 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I am sure that the Minister will not take it personally.

Chris Bryant Portrait Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab)
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We in Wales know that digital switchover is a great thing, but it is not quite a utopia. The Freeview package that is available in my constituency and many other valleys communities is greatly diminished compared with the rest of the country. This means that Rupert Murdoch has a virtual monopoly not just on first-view American movies and many sports matches but on the actual provision of television services. What is the Minister going to do to ensure that my constituents get a fair deal?

Lord Vaizey of Didcot Portrait Mr Vaizey
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I would certainly be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss coverage in south Wales. I have learned from many years’ experience that there is no such thing as utopia, but we can strive towards it. As far as Mr Murdoch’s monopoly is concerned, I know that he will have taken note of Ofcom’s investigation into pay TV, sports rights and other such competition issues.