ITC welcomes draft Communications Bill

The Independent Television Commission (ITC) have welcomed the publication by the Government of the draft Communications Bill.
The Bill is to be considered by a Joint Scrutiny Committee drawn from both the Commons and the Lords, prior to being introduced to Parliament in the Autumn.
ITC Chairman, Sir Robin Biggam, said: "Publication of the draft Bill for consultation represents an important stage in the development of a twenty-first century framework for Britain's communications sector". He noted that legislation to establish the Office of Communications as a preparatory body was already in place, and expressed the hope that the converged regulator would be fully functional by the end of 2003.
Chief Executive, Patricia Hodgson added: "The new legislation will play a vital part in bringing audiences the benefits of competition and technological change. The ITC will work hard to help create a simple but effective framework which reduces regulation whilst protecting quality".
Patricia Hodgson noted that the regulatory bodies to be incorporated in OFCOM had worked closely together and with Government departments in preparation for OFCOM and the Bill. She said: "There are inevitably areas where the Bill needs further polishing to reflect fully emerging policies, but a great deal has already been achieved. We will offer full assistance to the Joint Scrutiny Committee in its review of the draft Bill".
For the full statement on the ITC's views of the draft Communications Bill, please visit the web-site at: www.itc.org.uk
(KMcA)