ITV DIGITAL AND THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Early day motion 1640, tabled 16 July 2002 by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 25 members.

That this House believes that Carlton Communications plc and Granada plc, as owners of ITV Digital, have both a moral and contractual obligation to The Football League to honour the agreement to pay the sum which the League's 72 clubs had been promised; deplores the attitude of Carlton and Granada in reneging on the agreement; is concerned that the failure of Carlton and Granada to recognise their responsibilities is damaging the viability and future of the 72 League clubs; questions whether the behaviour of Carlton plc and Granada plc makes them fit to be trusted by other companies and financial institutions; requests that their failure to honour their obligations to The Football League be taken into account in any future granting of television franchises; urges the Government to take the opportunity to the proposed Communications Bill to require Carlton plc and Granada plc to pay the full sum which is due to The Football League; and congratulates The Football League, the 72 clubs and their supporters on their campaign to draw attention to the failings of Carlton and Granada as owners of ITV Digital.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, Liberal Democrat 6, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.