
1 
This Order may be cited as the Broadcasting (Sign Language) Order 1997 and shall come into force on the day after the day on which it is made.
2 
The Independent Television Commission shall include in the code maintained by them under section 20 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 the requirement that in each week, at least 5% of so much of any digital programme service or qualifying service as consists of programmes which are not excluded programmes for the purposes of that section in relation to presentation in, or translation into, sign language shall be presented in, or translated into, sign language.
3 
The requirement laid down in article 2 shall take effect as from the tenth anniversary of the date of the commencement of the provision of any digital programme service or qualifying service.
Virginia Bottomley
Secretary of State for National Heritage
28th January 1997