§ 40. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister for Posts and Telecommunications it he will now state his intentions regarding the future of Radio Manchester.
§ Mr. ChatawayI have nothing to add to the announcement I made on 6th August, a copy of which is in the Library.
§ Mr. AllaunDoes the Minister appreciate that there would be widespread indigation if such excellent stations were "scuttled" to please the shareholders in commercial radio stations?
§ Mr. ChatawayThe stations would not be scuttled, and if there were to be one network rather than two, it would not be for the reason the hon. Gentleman suggests.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisI endorse the remarks of my hon. Friend. Is the Minister aware that the Observer report of his meeting with the T.U.C. on this important matter caused widespread concern? Could he say anything about the reporting of that meeting?
§ Mr. ChatawayNo. I told the T.U.C. at confidential discussions exactly what I have told a large number of other people with whom I have been discussing the future of local radio; namely that the future shape must depend on, among other things, the frequencies and the finance available.