TELEVISION COVERAGE OF THE BRITISH LIONS TOUR

Early day motion 399, tabled 23 June 2005 by John Grogan (Labour). Signed by 44 members.

That this House notes that television viewers without access to subscription TV in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and without access to digital TV in Wales will be unable to view even highlights of the rugby union test series between the British Lions and New Zealand; regrets the fact that BSkyB was not prepared to do a deal involving terrestrial highlights with either the BBC or S4C; 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 23, Conservative 10, Liberal Democrat 9, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1.