To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the effects of long-term changes in the amount of children's programming provided by public service broadcasters on children's cultural experience. (201371)

UK originated children's television programming is a much valued and important part of the UK's broadcasting environment.

Ofcom examined the future prospects for public service broadcasting (PSB) for children in its discussion paper ‘The Future of Children's Television Programming’, published in October last year. In the light of that, the first phase of its second PSB review, published on 10 April, invited comments on the future of children's programming. The responses received will inform the next phase of Ofcom's review, due in the autumn, and the Government's consideration of the future funding of public service provision.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether free to air broadcasters are required to provide a minimum level of dedicated children's programming. (201372)

The Communications Act 2003 does not require specific quotas of dedicated children's programming. However, the programming commitments of licensed public service broadcasters are set out in their statements of programme policy and they are required to consult and take account of the views of Ofcom on proposals for significant changes to those. In performing its functions, the BBC Trust is also required under the Charter and Agreement to have regard to the purposes of public service television broadcasting set out in section 264 of the Act, including that related to the provision of children's programming, and has currently undertaken to provide CBeebies, a channel for very young children, and CBBC, for the pre-teen audience. Under their service licences, BBC1 and 2 are also required to offer children's programmes.