HC Deb 13 December 1979 vol 975 cc1518-9
10. Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has had on his proposal to establish an independent local radio station in Ayr.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Timothy Raison)

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that my right hon. Friend announced his approval in principle of further local radio stations, including an independent local radio station in Ayr, on 15 November. Before reaching that decision we received expressions of general support for the Ayr proposal from the Scottish National Party, the Scottish Education Department, three district councils in the area and from the hon. Gentleman himself.

Mr. Foulkes

You have my support for the establishment of a radio station in Ayr. I wonder if you could indicate—[Interruption.] I apologise, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister ensure that the transmitter for the radio station is positioned so that all parts of South Ayrshire receive the signal from Radio Ayr? Radio Clyde is received in the north of the county but not in the south. It is imperative that the new transmitter signal is received in the south of the county.

Mr. Raison

I am sure, Mr. Speaker, that you and I are both grateful for the hon. Gentleman's thanks. It is primarily a matter for the IBA to decide on the positioning of the transmitter. However, we shall certainly look into the matter.