§ 12. Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to be able to announce a starting date for an independent local radio station in Northampton.
§ Mr. MayhewA proposal for an independent local radio station to serve Northampton was made in the third report of the Home Office local radio working party, published on 18 December 1980. My right hon. Friend invited comments on the report by 30 April 1981. He is now considering the report's recommendations in the light of the many comments received.
§ Mr. MorrisIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that Northampton has been waiting for more than five years for this commercial station? Is it not unacceptable that the leading centre of the East Midlands should be denied the facility of commercial radio?
§ Mr. MayhewI understand the strength of public opinion on the need for such a station, and my hon. Friend's interest, too. My right hon. Friend received more than 500 representations following the publication of the report, and it is important that he should give them proper consideration. He will announce his decision as soon as he can.