But the contradiction remains: a la carte cable or stand-alone services would save customers money, but would also vastly restrict what sort of quality programming would be available.
Following Mr Cable on the stand, Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke told the inquiry people were put off going into politics because they did not want to open their private lives to scrutiny.
Comcast also announced the creation of Comcast Entertainment Group (CEG), which will house Comcast's interest in the joint venture and will stand alongside Comcast Cable, which operates the company's traditional cable business.