Lords debate digital switchover of television and radio
7 October 2010
Members of the House of Lords debated the Select Committee on Communications report "Digital switchover of television and radio in the United Kingdom" in a debate on Tuesday 12 October, in the House of Lords
- House of Lords Hansard 12 October 2010
- Report: Digital switchover of television and radio in the United Kingdom
The report, published in March this year, expressed concern that a lack of information from the Government means that people are still buying analogue radios that are likely to be of limited use after 2015; and that car manufacturers are still fitting analogue radios in cars.
Whilst the benefits of TV switchover were found to be well understood by the public, the Committee found that there is public confusion and industry uncertainty over radio switchover, warning of a "major public reaction" against radio digital switchover unless the Government make the case for switchover and keep the public informed about its impact.
Former Chairman of the Committee Lord Fowler (Conservative) opened the debate, which heard contributions from members including:
- Baroness Bonham Carter of Yarnbury (Liberal Democrat)
- Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat)
- Lord Evans of Temple Guiting (Labour)
- Lord Gordon of Strathblane (Labour)
- Lord Inglewood (Conservative)
- Lord Macdonald of Tradeston (Labour)
- Bishop of Manchester
- Lord Maxton (Labour)
- Lord St John of Bletso (Crossbench)
Baroness Rawlings spoke on behalf of the Government.