Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether his Department has had discussions with (a) Ofcom and (b) the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on reports of the alleged use of forced confessions on China Central Television.

Broadcasting regulation is a matter for Ofcom, as the independent regulator of television and radio. Ofcom are currently assessing complaints against China Global Television Network and if, following an investigation Ofcom find their rules have been broken, they will take the necessary enforcement action. Ofcom must be able to carry out its regulatory duties without government interference. DCMS Ministers and officials have regular discussions with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on a range of matters.