PUBLIC INTEREST TEST AND BSKYB SHARES IN ITV

Early day motion 773, tabled 30 January 2007 by John Grogan (Labour). Signed by 66 members.

That this House notes the preliminary findings of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) of 12th January 2007 that it `may be the case that a relevant merger situation has been created' following Sky's purchase of 17.9 per cent. of shares in ITV; further notes that the UK's largest commercial broadcaster 'may have come under common control for the purposes of the Enterprise Act 2002 as a result of Sky acquiring material influence over ITV'; believes that the OFT statement recognises the increasing dominance of BSkyB, which accounted for 40 per cent. of total television revenue in 2005, and the potential threat to competition it poses; and calls on the Secretary of State to use his powers under the amended Enterprise Act 2002 to issue a special intervention notice and seek advice from Ofcom on potential public interest considerations before referring the merger to the Competition Commission for further investigation.

Signatures by party: Labour 39, Liberal Democrat 16, Conservative 4, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.