asked the Minister for Communications if he has any proposals to introduce legislation to legalise television deflectors to provide multichannel television reception in areas not serviced by cable systems.
Written Answers. - Television Rebroadcasting.
18.
I have no plans to introduce legislation to legalise television rebroadcasting systems or deflectors as they operate at present. As I have said in replies to questions on this matter on a number of occasions, these systems raise major practical and policy issues from the point of view of good radio frequency management and the protection of cable franchises.
I am, however, considering alternative means of providing greater choice of viewing in non-cabled areas using transmission techniques but I must stress that my Department's planning in this field is at a relatively preliminary stage and there are no quick and easy solutions.
In the meantime I must uphold the law and take action within the resources available to me against those who are breaking it, and accordingly rebroadcasting systems are liable to be seized and their operators to prosecution at any time.