§ 10. Mr. Gorstasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will detail the technical studies he is carrying out into the availability of frequencies for local radio; and whether he will publish the results when the studies have been completed.
§ Mr. ChatawayI would refer my hon. Friend to the recent White Paper and particularly to Appendices A and B. The Independent Broadcasting Authority, after it has been set up, will publish the results of the technical studies, by giving the locations and technical characteristics of stations I have authorised.
§ Mr. GorstWould my right hon. Friend agree that most of the decisions which will be taken with regard to frequencies will affect not merely the 60 stations contemplated in the White Paper 374 but also possibilities for a long time in the future? Is there a possibility, therefore, that he will consider setting up an advisory committee similar to the Television Advisory Committee, which used to advise previous Postmasters-General on television technical matters, and on which would be represented not merely the Minister, the Ministry and the Authorities, but other users and, possibly, the industry, too?
§ Mr. ChatawayI will bear that suggestion in mind, although I think that the work done on frequency plans would principally have to be a matter between the Ministry, the I.B.A. and the B.B.C.