Tough questions for Government over digital switchover- Bruce

3.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 29th Mar 2006

Following the publication of a new report on the digital switchover, Malcolm Bruce MP urged the Government to heed the recommendations of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.

With the Grampian analogue signal switch-off scheduled in less than four years time, the Gordon MP has raised concerns about social exclusion, particularly in rural areas.

Mr Bruce commented:

"The Government have had another wake-up call on switchover and cannot afford to disregard the Committee's recommendations. While digital television is to be welcomed and will provide a better service for many viewers in the Grampian area, the current timetable for switchover is ambitious, particularly given the poor take-up figures.

"This report has flagged up major issues regarding affordability, coverage and financial assistance to vulnerable users.

"It is imperative that wider assistance be provided to those on lower incomes, the elderly and the disabled so they don't miss out. The current targeted assistance proposals are too limited in scope and could potentially leave many vulnerable people without access to television let alone the benefits of digital."

He added:

"In addition to social exclusion, I also have concerns about what choice of services there will be available in some rural areas. The fear is that many parts of the North East could be left with expensive digiboxes that can't even get a signal.

"I welcome the committee's recommendation that the license fee should be used to fund the marketing costs of the switchover. This is a Government priority and it is absolutely right that the Exchequer should fund it.

"Digital television needs careful planning and speedy action from both Government and industry to protect those who cannot easily afford the equipment and who already suffer poor television reception".