I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 43 together.
Under the statutory regulations governing cable television systems, a cable operator may not increase his charges without the prior consent of the Minister. It will be a matter for cable television companies who propose to offer satellite or other additional services on a continuing basis following the end of the experimental period to put their proposals — including their charging arrangements — to me and these will be considered on their merits.
While I do not wish to prejudge any proposals that may be put forward, I have already put on the record of this House my preference that any additional charges that might be proposed should be levied on the basis that only those who wish to receive the additional services will be required to pay. That is recorded in the Official Report of 27 May 1987, Volume 372, columns 2882 and 2883.