§ Mr. O'Halloran asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been made 221W to him regarding the granting of a licence to broadcast by London Open Radio; what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mayhew:We have received representations from London Open Radio about its proposals for a community radio station in London. In addition, four hon. Members have sought comments on the proposals and two more have expressed support for them.
London Open Radio has been told that my right hon. Friend is considering the question of community radio in the light of the third report of the Home Office local radio working party; that its views on community radio will be taken into account along with the many other comments received on this subject; but that in the meantime my right hon. Friend is not prepared to license community radio stations on either a permanent or an experimental basis.
My right hon. Friend cannot yet make any further statement.