HOTEL IN-HOUSE VIDEO PROGRAMMES (Advertisements)

Mr Chng Hee Kok asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether advertisements are allowed in in-house video programmes provided in hotels.

The Minister of State for Communications and Informatiom (Mr Wong Kan Seng) (for the Minister for Communications and Information): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am replying on behalf of my Minister.

We have allowed hotels to provide in-house video service for the entertainment of their guests. But, like all other video operators, they are not permitted to insert advertisements in the video programmes.

Mr Chng Hee Kok (Radin Mas): It appears to be an undue or unnecessary restraint on our business. Why did the Ministry or its officials not respond when a press report on this matter came out?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: The video operators are fully aware of the licensing requirements. And the Ministry, or the Government, cannot and does not respond to every little point that is mentioned in the newspapers for lack of resources.

Mr Heng Chiang Meng (Jalan Kayu): Sir, may I ask the Minister of State what is the rationale for not allowing them to have advertisements in the programmes?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: They are like all other video operators. And video operators have to comply with a licensing condition - they are not allowed to have advertisements. So even for hotels, the same condition applies.