TELEVISION COVERAGE OF THE BRITISH LIONS TOUR

Early day motion 42, tabled 27 June 2001 by John Grogan (Labour). Signed by 23 members.

That this House notes that television viewers without access to subscription TV in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be unable to view even highlights of the Rugby Union test series between the British Lions and Australia; regrets the fact that BSkyB was prepared to do a deal involving highlights only with S4C and not the BBC; and urges the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to consider adding future test matches involving the British Lions to category B of the listed events which would mean highlights would be available to a wide audience.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, Labour/Co-operative 3, Conservative 2, Liberal Democrat 2, UUP 1.