HC Deb 14 December 1970 vol 808 cc946-8
41. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister for Posts and Telecommunications if he will now state his intentions regarding the future of local radio.

Mr. Chataway

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer on 9th November to the hon. Member for Nottingham, West (Mr. English) and to my hon. Friends the Members for Hendon, North (Mr. Gorst) and Ilford, North (Mr. Iremonger).—[Vol. 806, c. 29.]

Mr. Allaun

Will the Minister be aware that we have taken careful note of his remark today that such stations will not be "scuttled"? Many of us appreciate that statement very much and we will hold him to it. Will he go further and say that, in addition, these stations should be allowed the use of the medium waves, which would perhaps treble or quadruple their listening audience without incurring any appreciable extra cost?

Mr. Chataway

I made clear in August, and the position is still the same, that there is no commitment to the B.B.C. for permanent local radio. If there were to be a change it would be an independent radio authority, or whatever authority we set up, which would be responsible for all local radio. The position has not changed since August. So far as medium waves are concerned, equally this matter is now under review.

Mr. Marten

Since most of the local B.B.C. radios are based on towns, would the Minister be careful in future to see that those who are appointed to the Advisory Council comprise people from the towns and from the country because country listeners want representation, too, unlike his predecessor who seemed to appoint such people all from the towns?

Mr. Chataway

I will bear in mind my hon. Friend's observations.

Mr. Richard

Would the Minister now tell the House when we can expect a statement on commercial radio? Is he aware that if he converts a B.B.C. local radio monopoly into a commercial local radio monopoly, he will in no way increase the choice of the people in the area who listen to it?

Mr. Chataway

I am encouraged by the hon. Gentleman's concern for choice and for ending monopoly. I assure him that whatever the result of the outcome which will be early in the new year, it will increase choice and end monopoly.

Sir G. Nabarro

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that South Worcestershire is between the devil and the deep blue sea and that there is no B.B.C. radio coverage between Radio Birmingham and Radio Oxford? When we get some local radio, whether B.B.C. or independent, could rural areas please be taken into account?

Mr. Chataway

I will certainly do my best to ensure that South Worcestershire is as well served in its radio coverage as it is in its parliamentary representation.

Mr. English

Would the Minister give an assurance about the existing staffs of local radio stations? Is lie aware that since the recent leak, inspired or otherwise, many existing staff of local radio stations are personally concerned? Could he give some assurance about their future before his White Paper is published, since this would be greatly appreciated by the staff?

Mr. Chataway

I appreciate the fact that there are difficulties for the staff involved, and I have been anxious today to make it absolutely clear that the position is in no way changed since the announcement in August to which I referred. Perhaps those staff may reflect that, whatever the outcome of this particular review, it is almost certain that there will be greater opportunities of employment in local radio than before.