To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to ensure that digital television is made accessible to those who are partially sighted. (77257)

With the availability of audio-description services, digital technology can greatly enhance the enjoyment of television by blind and partially sighted people. But we are aware that some of them might need extra help in selecting, installing and using the digital equipment. This is why the Government have announced assistance schemes for people aged 75 and over, people in receipt of disability living allowance or attendance allowance, and the people registered as blind. I can confirm that people who are registered as partially sighted will also be eligible for the schemes. I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 14 March 2006, Official Report, column 2101W, for more information on the schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps have been taken to ensure inclusion of blind and partially sighted people in progress towards digital switchover. (76555)

[holding answer 13 June 2006]: With the availability of audio-description services, digital technology can greatly enhance the enjoyment of television by blind and partially sighted people. But we are aware that some of them might need extra help in selecting, installing and using the digital equipment. This is why the Government have announced assistance schemes for people aged 75 and over, people in receipt of disability living allowance or attendance allowance, and the people registered as blind. I can confirm that people who are registered as partially sighted will also be eligible for the schemes. I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 14 March 2006, Official Report, column 2101W, for more information on the schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will increase audio description targets to at least 20 per cent. to ensure greater inclusion of blind and partially sighted people in the digital switchover. (77383)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Foyle (Mark Durkan) on 12 June 2006, Official Report, column 943W.