11. To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what provisions have been made prior to digital switchover to ensure digital television coverage in (a) the Calder Valley and (b) other topographically challenging areas. (99156)

Ofcom estimated approximately 50 per cent. of households in the Calder Valley are currently able to receive DT services. Following switchover in the region DT capacity is intended to match current provision from analogue services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what powers are available to her to regulate the production of regional news programmes by ITV after the switchover to digital television. (99157)

Regulation of regional news resides with OFCOM. This framework will remain in place after switchover.