HC Deb 19 April 1971 vol 815 cc788-9
3. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will now make a statement on the future of Radio Leicester.

Mr. Chataway

As stated in the White Paper "An Alternative Service of Radio Broadcasting", the Government has concluded that the existing B.B.C. local radio stations, including Radio Leicester, should continue.

Mr. Janner

Will the Minister now state whether the existing radio stations, and in particular Radio Leicester, will be permitted to operate on medium wave bands and, having regard to the excellence of the service provided by Radio Leicester, will he give an assurance that there will be no commercial station in opposition in Leicester?

Mr. Chataway

No, I cannot give that latter assurance. On the subject of medium frequencies, it will be a question of applying under international agreements to use the medium frequencies which are primarily allocated to other countries. Thereafter, a frequency plan will be drawn up which will provide medium frequencies for the services to be run both by the Independent Broadcasting Authority and by the B.B.C. I hope that medium frequencies will be available for the B.B.C. local stations at the same time as the commercial stations start.

11. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what representations he has received since the publication of his White Paper on commercial radio.

Mr. Chataway

I have received about 20 letters from the public.

Mr. Jenkins

Would the Minister care to say what is the nature of those letters? Is it the case that many of the correspondents are extremely confused and worried about what the White Paper means? Have not various interpretations been put on the White Paper by various organisations and people, such as Hughie Green and others, and would it not have been better if a Green Paper had been issued so that the true nature of the situation could have been reflected in its colour?

Mr. Chataway

I do not think the degree of clarity of the White Paper has caused my correspondents any anxiety. Some have written offering their services, and some have written to say that they do not believe in competition in broadcasting.