UK Digital Switchover Bill Still Doesn't Work for Wales

Cymraeg
English

Eleanor Burnham <info@eburnham.org.uk>

UK Digital Switchover Bill Still Doesn't Work for Wales - Burnham

November 28, 2006 9:40 AM

Eleanor Burnham AM, responding to Welsh Secretary Peter Hain's Queen's Speech address to the Welsh Assembly in Plenary today, has raised concern that little progress has been made in gearing up parts of Wales for the big digital switch in 2009.

Ms Burnham moved an amendment following the debate on the Queen's Speech the Digital Switchover Bill, demanding that the UK government fully focused on bringing up to speed those parts of Wales that even now cannot receive digital Freeview channels through the standard digital box.

Ms Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales and Culture Spokesperson, said: "Since the preparations for digital television began, the UK government has pledged its help for more disadvantaged people, such as the elderly and disabled people, so that everyone will be ready for digital switchover.

"This is commendable, but I am still concerned that one of the most basic problems facing viewers in Wales is still slipping under the radar.

"I have raised the point in the Assembly before that there remain 85,000 people across Wales who do not have access to even basic channels because of the geography of where their homes are built.

"The response to the Queen's speech we have heard today still has not addressed the matter of what can be done to make sure that these remaining homes can be brought up to speed by 2009.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrat Amendment I moved today is designed to demand that the Assembly and the UK government do not move ahead for the switch without making sure everyone in Wales will be included in this new technology."

Notes:

Eleanor Burnham moved the following amendment in today's Plenary debate on the Queen's Speech:

Amendment 10 - Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire)

Add new point at end of motion:

"Believes that consideration should be given to extending TV coverage post digital switchover to those who currently do not have access."

Ends/Diwedd