GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT GET A 'BLANK CHEQUE' FOR SWITCHOVER

Commenting ahead of the Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Bill to be debated on Monday 18th December. Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Arts and Culture, Paul Holmes MP, said: "These measures should have been in place much earlier. Now there is a very real danger that the help scheme won't be ready in time for the 2007 switchover in Whitehaven. "I will be seeking assurances that this help will reach all the elderly, disabled or people on low incomes who need it, when they need it."

Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster MP has warned against giving Tessa Jowell a 'blank cheque' for the targeted assistance scheme: "The Liberal Democrats have said all along that the government, not the licence fee payer, should pay for those who need assistance in the switch to digital'. Even if we know who needs help, it's ridiculous that we still don't know what help they'll get, who will provide it and what it will cost. The government are writing themselves a 'blank cheque' as part of their licence fee 'smash and grab' raid."