MONOPOLY OF BSKYB

Early day motion 1711, tabled 17 September 2003 by Eric Martlew (Labour). Signed by 44 members.

That this House condemns the recent decision by BSkyB to increase its subscription rates to pubs and clubs by a staggering 18 per cent. which will have a serious impact on those which screen live sport, particularly Premiership football; notes that the sports viewing market is a vital element for the viability of many businesses, attracting a distinct target audience which would not be attracted to pubs by other entertainment; condemns the increase which is about seven times the current rate of inflation and is a total abuse of BSkyB's monopoly position; welcomes the intention of the Office of Fair Trading to assess the situation to establish whether there is an infringement of the Competition Act 1998.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 10, Labour/Co-operative 6, Plaid Cymru 1.