HC Deb 15 May 1969 vol 783 c1625
12. Mr. Boston

asked the Postmaster-General if he will make a statement about the progress of the local radio experiments.

Mr. Stonehouse

Not yet.

Mr. Boston

Will my right hon. Friend accept that one of the most significant results of the success of the local radio experiments by the B.B.C. is the enthusiastic response they have had amongst young people? Does he agree that there has been a sizable increase in sales of v.h.f. radio sets in areas with a local radio station?

Mr. Stonehouse

I agree that there has been a great increase in the participation of young people in the programmes, and that sales of v.h.f. sets have gone up.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

Does the right hon. Gentleman approve the evident tendency of those engaged in B.B.C. local radio to participate in political controversy, even to the extent in Leeds of circulating Labour Party literature?

Mr. Stonehouse

I am not aware of that. But I think that those involved in the experiments are fully entitled to describe their experiences. I believe that they have added a great deal to our information about the experiments.