To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what consultation was undertaken by his Department on the transfer of the Scottish Borders television region to the Scotland pilot scheme; when the transfer will take place; what (a) technical and (b) regulatory process will be required to effect the transfer; and if he will make a statement. (325457)

As part of the announcement of the procurement process for the independently funded news consortia (IFNC) pilots the Government said they wanted to look at the option for a news service for the whole of Scotland subject to costs and technical feasibility.

The IFNC proposition is about an enhanced local news service that is relevant for audiences. The option of transferring the Scottish borders regional news service remains under review. No decisions have yet been made about whether or not a transfer will take place or the timing. If a decision is taken to transfer the news provision, then any necessary technical and regulatory processes will be addressed.