HC Deb 19 July 1972 vol 841 cc600-1
13. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications in what year he expects a local radio station to be operative in the County of Essex.

Sir J. Eden

So far I have announced locations for 26 stations; it is too early to say where the further stations will be or when they will open.

Mr. McCrindle

Is my right hon. Friend aware that of all the home counties Essex has the fastest growing population and that the residents of Essex feel little in common with Ipswich or London, which so far are the closest stations? In the light of these circumstances, will my right hon. Friend make representations to the IBA with a view to having a commercial broacasting station set up in this county as soon as possible?

Sir J. Eden

The IBA hopes to provide up to 60 stations. I have named only the first 26. I am sure that the authority will wish to take account of the claims of localities in Essex.

25. Mr. Mark Hughes

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he has made a decision on the future of British Broadcasting Corporation Local Radio, Durham; and if he will make a statement.

Sir J. Eden

I have authorised the BBC to close down Durham local radio and to replace it by a local radio station at Carlisle. There will continue to be an active BBC studio working in Durham. When the changeover is complete, 20 BBC local radio stations will be better arranged to serve English listeners.

Mr. Hughes

Obviously, I can scarcely welcome that announcement. Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the decision to close what started as an experimental station in no way reflects on the quality and work of the staff engaged there? Secondly, will he understand that it would have been very unacceptable to the people of Durham had it not been for the strong claims of the people and area around Carlisle?

Sir J. Eden

I assure the hon. Gentleman that the decision has nothing to do with the quality of the service. It arises directly from the fact that the Radio Durham area is wholly overlapped by BBC Radio Newcastle and BBC Radio Teesside, which can equally well provide services for the Durham area. That is why the change has been made, to provide a better coverage over the whole of England.