HC Deb 14 July 1977 vol 935 cc756-7
1. Mr. Beith

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has had from individuals and bodies in the county of Northumberland on the proposals of the Annan Report affecting regional and local radio.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Brynmor John)

We have received five letters from individuals and one from the Community Council of Northumberland, all supporting BBC local radio. In addition, Northumberland County Council in its provisional comments on the Annan Report has expressed support for the maintenance and development of the existing services of the BBC, including BBC local radio and the BBC's regional operations.

Mr. Beith

Is the Minister fully aware from those representations that much of rural Northumberland has at present no service of local or regional radio and that the people there will never get it unless the BBC can continue in local radio and extend the service by a station at Alnwick? Is he also aware that there would be a major public outcry if the BBC had to abandon its present regional television service and programmes such as "Look North"?

Mr. John

I am fully aware of that and of the support which has been expressed by the Northumberland County Council for the BBC's policy of extending coverage to all populations of more than 500.

Mr. Whitehead

Is my hon. Friend aware that many people believe that the Annan Committee was right to recommend that there should be community control of local radio and that he will be receiving representations on that score from the Community Communications Association, which represents those who, unlike the BBC, do not have a vested interest in maintaining the existing situation?

Mr. John

I look forward to receiving those observations, but I hope that if they are coming they will come soon, because the consultation period ended on 1st July.

Mr. Adley

Is the Minister aware that in my part of the world many people are very satisfied with BBC Radio Solent and would be very upset if anything was done to disturb its operation? Does he accept that many people will react to the destruction of anything that is good, whether it be grammar schools or local radio? Will he give an assurance that local Radio Solent will not be destroyed?

Mr. John

Perhaps I should add to that catalogue by saying that I am perfectly satisfied with BBC Wales.