PRESS RELEASE

23 April 2002

OTTAWAY SUPPORTS CRYSTAL PALACE IN THEIR BATTLE AGAINST TV COMPANIES

Richard Ottaway, Conservative MP for Croydon South, has lent his support to Crystal Palace and other local football clubs by calling on ITV digital companies to honour their obligations under the contract between them and the football clubs.

Richard Ottaway says:-

"Crystal Palace, Wimbledon and Millwall, all local clubs, may be seriously affected by this issue. These clubs make a key economic and social contribution to local communities and I call on Granada and Carlton to honour their obligations under these contracts"

"If they fail to do so the Government should reconsider their payment of £2 billion by way of a digital dividend to ITV companies to promote digital TV. Secondly, it calls into question whether Granada and Carlton are fit licence holders for broadcasting on independent television. Their franchise should be reviewed."

Ends.

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