§ 24. Mr. Bostonasked the Postmaster-General what action he proposes to take regarding proposals by local authorities to set up local commercial radio stations.
§ Mr. MasonThere has been one such proposal. My Department will refer the local authority to the White Paper on Broadcasting (Cmnd. 3169) of December, 1966.
§ Mr. BostonCan my right hon. Friend say what he proposes to do about that proposal? Will he bear in mind that many of us are very concerned about any introduction of commercial stations and the effect they could have on local newspapers, because they would siphon off advertising revenue? Will he confirm that there is no intention—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Questions must be brief.
§ Mr. BostonWill my right hon. Friend confirm that there is no intention of introducing them?
§ Mr. MasonYes, Sir. An 8-station experiment is being conducted by the B.B.C., and no further developments in local radio will be authorised until the experiment has run its course and has been evaluated.
§ Mr. BryanIs the Postmaster-General aware that the public will be very anxious to know his attitude to commercial radio? Does he subscribe to the view of his predecessor that the entertainment of the people should not be the by-product of the search for profits?
§ Mr. MasonWe are dealing here with one proposal, and hon. Gentlemen know whence it came. I shall refer them to the White Paper, which is present policy.