Hain questioned over "free to view" scheme

Lembit Öpik, MP for Montgomeryshire and Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has questioned Peter Hain, Secretary of State for Wales and Leader of the House, regarding problems with the free to view scheme, and the particular lack of coverage in Wales.

Speaking on the floor of the Commons, Öpik said "The Labour First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, 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?"

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. There is no other way.  Indeed, the only way to get Digital Television in rural areas is through using digital satellite viewing equipment.

"It is wrong that, because of the local topography, people are forced to pay Sky up to £150 per year to view the public service channels that the rest of the UK take for granted.

"The Secretary of State can instruct Ofcom to compel broadcasters to provide digital public service channels in areas where it is not possible to receive the channels by other means.  I will be campaigning for him to do so if a conciliatory agreement cannot be reached with the broadcasters.