HC Deb 21 July 1971 vol 821 cc1429-30
8. Mr. Gorst

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will make additional appointments to the Frequency Advisory Committee and the Mobile Radio Committee in view of the future developments outlined in the White Paper, "An Alternative Service of Radio Broadcasting".

Mr. Chataway

No, Sir, but, of course, the Independent Broadcasting Authority, when it is set up, will replace the Independent Television Authority on the Frequency Advisory Committee.

Mr. Gorst

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, although the I.B.A. will be concerned with the frequencies for 60 stations, no one will be concerned with any development beyond the 60 stations and it would be highly desirable for the Frequency Advisory Committee to have on it somebody who could speak up for such potential interests when a future Government or, I hope, this Government, increase the number from 60 to perhaps 160 stations?

Mr. Chataway

In drawing up the frequency plan I will bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said. But the Frequency Advisory Committee is more concerned with the broader aspects of radio frequency plans, such as the allocation of frequencies between broadcasting, mobile radio and other uses of the frequencies.

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