HC Deb 09 June 1971 vol 818 cc1018-9
7. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications when he expects to introduce a Bill to give effect to his White Paper on Commercial Radio.

Mr. Chataway

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton (Mr. Marks) on 19th April.—[Vol. 815, c. 327.]

Mr. Jenkins

I do not have in my mind precisely what that reply was. When the Minister introduces his Bill, will he ensure that the alternative services which he proposes in his White Paper will add to the quality of radio and not merely to the quantity, and that arrangements will be included in the Bill to ensure that the service which will be provided will cover the whole range of radio and not merely one very small portion of the spectrum?

Mr. Chataway

Yes, indeed.

Mr. Farr

Would my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the ownership of the new commercial stations will be as widely spread as possible and that, for instance, local newspapers will not be given a monopoly interest?

Mr. Chataway

Yes, I entirely agree that that is extremely important.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

Before the Minister publishes any legislation, will he, as was suggested in the debate, discuss the matter with the new regional authorities, particularly the new town corporations, some of whom have shown great interest in this in the last few weeks?

Mr. Chataway

I have had views put to me and I shall certainly be willing to accept any representations which may be made from those quarters.