The Ministry of Telecommunications and e-Commerce has denied that it made an error in granting a licence to Hott FM to televise this year's Cup Match.

In yesterday's , Somerset Cricket Club President Colin Smith questioned Government's decision to grant the licence, saying that the club ? which has equal rights to Cup Match with rival St. George's Cricket Club ? was not consulted about any deal with the station.

But in a statement released yesterday, the Ministry of Telecommunications and e-Commerce "moved to correct all erroneous statements" made in the media with respect to its involvement in the broadcast.

"The Ministry states unequivocally that clear guidelines require them to be satisfied that any footage shot for viewing by the public is broadcast through licensed entities, i.e., either of the existing three television stations of the two cable companies," the statement said.

"Inter Island Communications produced the Cup Match event which was cablecast by CableVision, and the only responsibility of the Ministry of Telecommunications and E-Commerce was to ensure that, as the licensed entity, all the terms and conditions of the relevant Telecommunications regulations were being adhered to by CableVision.

"On being satisfied that this was the case the Ministry had no further responsibility. At no time was the Ministry required to, nor was it involved in granting a licence to Inter Island Communications for the Cup Match event."