To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much the BBC has spent on producing and broadcasting televisual content for digital transmission. (142845)

This is a matter for the BBC. I have therefore asked the BBC's Director of Finance to consider the question raised by my hon. Friend and to write to him direct. Copies of the reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the BBC commenced broadcasting digital television. (142846)

Sky Digital launched on 1 October 1998, followed by ONDigital on 15 November the same year. Both of these offerings included BBC services.