§ 2.45 p.m.
§ Baroness MACLEOD of BORVE: My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to implement all or any of the findings of the Annan Report on the Future of Sound Broadcasting (Cmnd. 6753).
The MINISTER of STATE, HOME OFFICE(Lord Harris of Greenwich):
977 My Lords, the position on the report of the Committee on the Future of Broadcasting remains as indicated in my reply on 2nd March to a Question by my noble friend Lord Boston of Faversham: the Government are still considering the Committee's recommendations and the many comments we have received on them, with a view to formulating proposals which can be presented to Parliament in the form of a White Paper.
§ Baroness MACLEOD of BORVEMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply. Is he aware that, in September 1977, the Independent Broadcasting Authority issued a list of local radio stations that it would like to open? There were 15 in number, and from that the Authority would like to select eight. Can the noble Lord say whether the Government are thinking along the lines of giving further local radio stations to the Independent Broadcasting Authority?
§ Lord HARRIS of GREENWICHMy Lords, this is one of the matters which is being looked at at the moment, but I cannot say anything before we publish the White Paper.
§ Lord ORR-EWINGMy Lords, does the noble Lord recall that this Government, and the previous Government, have set up innumerable Royal Commissions and other official inquiries? These have done admirable work, and have produced excellent reports, but absolutely no action results. Why is it that 13 months after the Annan Report came out—and the Government probably had it a little earlier than that—the Government are not able to give permission to the IBA to go ahead with this expansion, which does not raise legislation? It could be done quite simply, involving no public funds at all, and it would be very popular with the public.
§ Lord HARRIS of GREENWICHMy Lords, one of the recommendations of the Annan Committee was that a local broadcasting authority should be set up. We are looking at this proposal, and we are formulating a proposal which will be put to Parliament. But the White Paper will undoubtedly have the most profound influence upon the whole future of British broadcasting up to the end of this century. It seems to me that in that situation we should get it right.
§ Lord BOSTON of FAVERSHAMMy Lords, while appreciating that the Government may well feel reluctant to announce decisions piecemeal on these matters, does my noble friend not feel that there is a case, once decisions have been taken on certain matters, for at least some of those matters to he severed from the others and not held up until the whole package is complete? I may say that I disagree with the recommendation of Annan, but does not my noble friend feel that the future of local broadcasting is just such a matter which it would be possible to sever, and that it is a pity to hold it up for the whole of the rest? Once decisions were taken on that matter, could not that matter be announced?
§ Lord HARRIS of GREENWICHNo, my Lords; I do not believe that it would be a good idea to have instalments on a White Paper. I think it is necessary to deal with all these matters at the same time.
§ Baroness MACLEOD of BORVEMy Lords, can the noble Lord tell me, finally, when the White Paper is expected?
§ Lord HARRIS of GREENWICHNo, my Lords; I prefer to say that it will be as soon as possible. I am afraid I cannot give a precise date.