HC Deb 07 December 1989 vol 163 cc379-80W
16. Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the broadcasting authorities in Wales on the future of television and radio services in Wales.

Mr. Mellor

I have regular contact with the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority (S4C), the IBA and the BBC. In particular, there have been a number of discussions with S4C about our proposals for Welsh broadcasting after 1992.

32. Mr. Butcher

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he next plans to meet the governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation to discuss their effectiveness in achieving political objectivity in news reporting.

Mr. Mellor

I meet the chairman and governors of the BBC from time to time to discuss a wide range of broadcasting matters. Responsibility for ensuring impartiality in the reporting of news rests with the BBC.

33. Mr. Geraint Howells

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the chairman of the Independent Broadcasting Authority; and what matters were discussed.

41. Mr. Illsley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he next plans to meet the chairman of the Independent Broadcasting Authority to discuss broadcasting.

57. Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the chairman of the Independent Broadcasting Authority to discuss broadcasting.

Mr. Mellor

My right hon. and learned Friend keeps in regular touch with the chairman of the IBA on a wide range of broadcasting matters.

67. Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will meet the chairman of the Independent Broadcasting Authority to discuss the future broadcasting of hospital radio.

Mr. Mellor

Following the hon. Member's meeting with my right hon. Friend the Member for Mid Sussex (Mr. Renton) in July and the subsequent meeting of the National Association of Hospital Broadcasting Organisations with the IBA, consideration is being given to their suggestion that a dedicated frequency be provided for hospital radio. The outcome will be made known to the proposed new radio authority, which it is intended will be responsible for licensing all non-BBC radio services, including hospital radio.

Mr. Wheeler

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a copy of his letter of 4 December to the hon. Member for Westminster, North on the decriminalisation of television licence fee evasion as recommended in paragraph 152 of the Home Affairs Committee's Third Report of Session 1987–88.

Mr. Waddington

We have now done so.

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