FOOTBALL LEAGUE AND ITV DIGITAL

Early day motion 1120, tabled 15 April 2002 by Siobhain McDonagh (Labour). Signed by 62 members.

That this House expresses its concern over the threat posed to scores of football clubs across the country by ITV Digital's entry into administration, particularly with regard to future revenues from broadcasting rights for the Football League and the 72 football clubs in divisions one, two and three; urges Granada plc and Carlton Communications plc to acknowledge and meet their moral, legal and commercial commitments as joint owners of ITV Digital; notes the wider implications Granada and Carlton's behaviour may have for the negotiation of future broadcasting contracts; appreciates the key economic and social contribution made by football clubs to local communities; and is alarmed by the prospect of this contribution being undermined by the failure of Granada and Carlton to keep their side of a deal.

Signatures by party: Labour 41, Liberal Democrat 11, Labour/Co-operative 5, Conservative 4, Independent 1.