HC Deb 03 April 1969 vol 781 cc656-8
Q7. Mr. Boston

asked the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the Chairman of the British Broadcasting Corporation about the progress of the experiment in local sound radio; and if he will give an assurance that he will not seek to set up local commercial radio stations.

The Prime Minister

None, Sir. On the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to my answer to my hon. Friend and to other hon. Members on 20th March.

Mr. Boston

Will my right hon. Friend accept that there will be a widespread welcome to the resounding rejection by the new Director-General of the B.B.C. of the idea of advertising on B.B.C. programmes? Does he also recall that the vast bulk of representations to the Pilkington Committee by local newspaper interests was against local commercial radio, and does not he think it odd that the Leader of the Opposition is still showing uncharacteristic modesty in not seizing upon a proposal of one of his own shadow Ministers for 100 commercial radio stations?

The Prime Minister

On the first question, I am sure that the House will welcome the very robust statement by the new Director-General of the British Broadcasting Corporation. The House will be grateful to my hon. Friend, on the second point, for drawing attention to the evidence given by local newspapers about the effect on them of such proposals. On the third point, I have no responsibility for the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Bryan

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember and agree with the statement of the last Postmaster-General but one, when opening the Leicester station, that it would be unfair to pay for local stations out of the income from the general licence?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir, I do remember that, and we are, of course, awaiting the results of the review which will take place on the first period of operations of the local stations. My impression of those which I have seen is that they are working extremely well, but they are not being financed anything like entirely—some of them, not even as to a majority—by payment out of the licence. Many local interests are contributing to the work of these stations and getting good value for their money.