§ 2. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to make a statement about the authorisation of further local radio stations.
§ Dr. SummerskillWe hope to be able to announce the location of further local radio stations in the course of the year.
§ Mr. BlakerIs the Minister aware that there was great disappointment in Blackpool and the Fylde that they were left out of the Government's last list? Is she also aware that they were named by the IBA as a priority area in regard to the development of independent local radio and that they are not adequately covered by Radio Blackburn? Will she, therefore, give careful attention to their claim in considering the next list?
§ Dr. SummerskillI realise that many hon. Members must have been disappointed that their areas were not among the 18 that were recently announced. I shall bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said, and no doubt he will be making representations to the BBC and the IBA.
§ Mr. WhiteheadWill my hon. Friend convey to the IBA the Government's hope that these local radio stations will be genuine community stations that are owned by the community and not the conventional kind of joint stock companies, since the profitability of independent local radio is now established?
§ Dr. SummerskillGreat efforts are being made in the preliminary period, as the stations are being set up, to make sure that the views of the local communities are taken into consideration, and that they are able to make representations to the BBC and the IBA.