AUDIO DESCRIPTION AND ACCESS TO DIGITAL TELEVISION

Early day motion 900, tabled 6 February 2008 by Helen Southworth (Labour). Signed by 153 members.

That this House welcomes the drive by UK television broadcasters, Ofcom and the Royal National Institute of Blind People to raise awareness of audio description services on digital television; notes that 94 per cent. of blind and partially sighted people rely on television for information, news and entertainment but that three quarters have difficulties following programmes, leaving many isolated and excluded; believes that audio description, now available on all digital platforms, is a vital means of ensuring two million people in the UK with sight problems can follow and enjoy television programmes independently; further believes that talking menus and programme guides are equally vital to ensure equal access to digital television for growing numbers of people with sight problems; and therefore calls on the Government to take steps to ensure all future digital receivers build in access technology such as audio description and talking menus as standard.

Signatures by party: Labour 107, Liberal Democrat 23, Conservative 10, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3, Independent 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2.