asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the future of regulation of cable television and satellite television transmissions.

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary told the House on 4 March of our decision to go ahead with direct broadcasting by satellite. This is a clear indication of our intention to enable British industry to take full advantage of the opportunities which new technology offers. In his statement—[Vol. 19, c. 414–420]—my right hon. Friend promised a further announcement shortly on the future role of cable television.