Hain questioned over free to view scheme

Lembit Öpik, MP for Montgomeryshire and Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, questioned Peter Hain, Secretary of State for Wales and Leader of the House, yesterday regarding the withdrawal of the solus card scheme.

Lembit Öpik said: "The Labour First Minister, RM, has asked the Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport "to ensure that those who rely on digital satellite do not need to subscribe to a pay-TV service to receive public service" broadcasting, and Liberal Democrats agree. Will the Secretary of State commit himself to ensuring that the thousands of Welsh viewers who find themselves in that situation can sign up to the Solus card scheme so that they do not have to subscribe to private broadcasters such as Sky to access public service broadcasting?"

Peter Hain replied: "The hon. Gentleman has a persuasive case to make, and I want digital television to be extended to his constituency as well." Hain also said he was "keen to see digital coverage right across Wales as soon as possible, [and] keen to see Wales become the first fully digital part of the United Kingdom."

Commenting, Lembit Öpik MP said: "The problem remains that, in many rural areas, the only way to receive public service channels is via digital satellite.  I have called on the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to reinstate the Solus card scheme.  They are now aware that many people did not have ample opportunity to purchase Solus cards and that there are many new customers who wish to install digital satellite viewing equipment

"It seems that Peter Hain agrees that people that rely on digital satellite should not have to subscribe to pay-TV services to receive public service broadcasting. With support from the First Minister in the Assembly and the Secretary of State for Wales, I am hopeful that the Government will act to see that people in Wales are not short changed and can access public service channels without having to subscribe to Sky."